Mahmoud Bentayg has emerged as a target for a number of French, Turkish and Gulf clubs after an impressive campaign with Zamalek.
The Morocco left-back, 26, helped Zamalek win the Egyptian Premier League last season and also lifted the Arab Cup with the Morocco national team. His performances were further recognised when he was named the Egyptian Premier League’s best left-back.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Bentayg is attracting significant attention from clubs in France and Turkey during the current summer transfer window. Several Gulf-based sides are also monitoring his situation closely as they consider whether to make a move.
Reports suggest a transfer could be completed for a fee of between €2m and €3m, although no deal has yet been confirmed. The level of interest means Bentayg’s future is expected to become an important issue for Zamalek as the club weighs its sporting ambitions against the financial value of a potential sale.
Bentayg joined Zamalek from Saint-Etienne and quickly established himself as one of the leading players in his position in Egyptian football. His influence grew throughout the previous season, when his displays made a decisive contribution to Zamalek’s Egyptian Premier League success.
The title was particularly significant for Zamalek because it ended the club’s wait to win the Egyptian league. Bentayg’s performances at left-back were a key part of that achievement, while his success with Morocco added another major honour to an outstanding campaign.
His progress has now placed Zamalek in a difficult position. The Egyptian club could decide to retain a player who has become an important part of its team as it seeks to compete for more trophies, or accept one of the financial offers that may arrive from abroad.
The interest from clubs in multiple regions reflects the technical value Bentayg has brought to Zamalek since arriving from France. It also highlights the competition for a defender whose form has earned domestic recognition and attracted attention beyond Egypt.
For Zamalek, any decision will involve balancing the need to maintain the squad that delivered the league title with the opportunity to secure a substantial transfer fee. With French, Turkish and Gulf clubs all following Bentayg’s situation, the left-back could become one of the notable names in this summer’s transfer market.
