Former Zamalek and Egypt midfielder Ayman Younes has urged the club to take a firm approach to the ongoing dispute involving Juan Bezerra, arguing that the club’s interests must come before those of any individual player.
Younes, known as “The Philosopher”, believes Zamalek’s history, supporters and status should make it the stronger party in negotiations over Bezerra’s future.
The situation surrounding the player has become a source of controversy, with questions being raised over his position at the Cairo club and the way the administration is managing the issue.
For Younes, the priority should be to resolve the matter decisively while ensuring Zamalek protects its financial and sporting interests.
He also believes the club should consider selling Bezerra if an appropriate offer arrives rather than allowing the dispute to develop into a prolonged confrontation that could consume the club’s time and resources.
Younes calls for decisive action
Speaking in a television interview, Younes said Zamalek should not allow the player’s situation to undermine the authority of the club.
“If Bezerra does not want to continue and has lost his relationship with the fans and the club, then Zamalek must deal with the matter decisively. Zamalek is bigger than him and ten players like him, and no player should sit and deal with the club in this way.”
Younes’ comments reflect his view that the club’s long-term interests should take precedence over the reputation or technical importance of an individual player.
The former Zamalek star also called on the administration to approach any potential transfer from a financial perspective.
He argued that if the club receives an offer that reflects Bezerra’s value, it should consider accepting it and use the proceeds to strengthen its wider position.
“If the player is to be sold, it must be done correctly to benefit Zamalek. If his value is 5 or 6 million, then the club should get this money and that’s the end of it, instead of getting into cases that last two or three years.”
Warning against another prolonged dispute
Younes pointed to previous disputes involving Zamalek players as examples of situations the club should avoid repeating.
He believes a lengthy disagreement over Bezerra could create further complications for an administration that already needs to organise the squad and prepare the team for competition.
“Similar situations have happened before, and there were many problems, the latest being Ahmed Sayed Zizo, so why repeat the mistake? Get your money now, and use it to get out of the contract, sort out your situation, and help Zamalek recover.”
The former Egypt international’s comments put the emphasis on finding a practical solution rather than allowing the disagreement to continue for years.
From his perspective, securing appropriate financial compensation for the player would enable Zamalek to move forward and concentrate on rebuilding its squad and addressing its wider affairs.
Younes warns Zamalek against social media pressure
Younes also had a message for the Zamalek board regarding the influence of social media.
He believes the club’s decision-makers should avoid allowing online reactions to determine important administrative or sporting decisions.
Instead, he called for the board to establish a clear position and act according to what it believes is best for Zamalek.
“Social media has become like a blender, expressing one opinion and its opposite at the same time, and whoever listens to it loses their personality. Boards of directors must have a clear personality and make the decision that serves the interest of Zamalek.”
The comments underline Younes’ belief that the club’s leadership needs to demonstrate independence when dealing with contentious issues.
Rather than responding to changing public sentiment, he wants the administration to assess the situation and choose the option that provides the greatest benefit to the club.
‘Zamalek is the foundation’
Younes concluded by stressing the importance of the relationship between players, supporters and the club.
He argued that players owe part of their status and reputation to the club and its fans, making it unacceptable, in his view, for an individual to place himself above Zamalek.
“For a player to say that he does not want to play for Zamalek is an insult to the club. You wore the team’s jersey, and the fans are the ones who made you a star and gave you this value. In the end, Zamalek is the foundation, not the player, because he is ultimately an actor who wears the club’s jersey.
His remarks add to the pressure surrounding the administration’s handling of Bezerra’s situation.
For Younes, the club now needs to protect its authority, avoid a repeat of previous prolonged disputes and ensure that any decision over the player’s future delivers a clear benefit to Zamalek.
