Pyramids FC have reached a preliminary agreement to sign Ahmed Abdelkader from Iraqi club Al-Karma, beating Egyptian giants Al-Ahly to the attacking player’s signature after negotiations between the player and his former club broke down over salary demands.
The deal would make Abdelkader Pyramids’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of Iyad Al-Asqalani.
A source within Pyramids told WinWin that Amr Bassiouni, the club’s director of contracts, has agreed personal terms with Abdelkader.
Under the proposed agreement, the player will sign a four-year contract with Pyramids, with his total salary over the duration of the deal expected to exceed 100 million Egyptian pounds.
Pyramids increased their financial offer beyond what Al-Ahly were prepared to pay, allowing the Sky Blues to move ahead in the race for the player.
The final procedures are expected to be completed in the coming days before Pyramids make the transfer official.
Al-Ahly talks collapse over salary
Abdelkader had emerged as a target for Al-Ahly in recent days, with the Egyptian club exploring the possibility of bringing him back.
Negotiations took place between the two sides, but they failed to reach an agreement after the player’s financial demands proved significantly higher than Al-Ahly’s offer.
Abdelkader reportedly asked for 40 million Egyptian pounds per season.
Al-Ahly’s maximum offer was close to 20 million pounds annually, leaving a gap of around 20 million pounds every season.
The difference proved too large for the two sides to bridge, bringing the negotiations to an end.
That failure created an opportunity for Pyramids to intervene.
Pyramids move quickly after Al-Ahly withdrawal
With Al-Ahly unable to reach an agreement, Pyramids officials moved rapidly to open direct negotiations with Abdelkader.
The club eventually succeeded in persuading the player to join after reaching financial terms that were acceptable to both sides.
The proposed four-year agreement would give Abdelkader a total salary exceeding 100 million pounds across the contract.
Pyramids’ willingness to improve on Al-Ahly’s offer was a decisive factor in the negotiations, according to the source.
The transfer is now awaiting the completion of the remaining formalities.
Once those procedures are finished, Abdelkader is expected to be officially unveiled as a Pyramids player.
The move would represent a significant addition to a squad that is already being strengthened ahead of the new campaign.
Second Pyramids signing of the summer
Pyramids have already completed the signing of Iyad Al-Asqalani during the current transfer window.
Abdelkader is now expected to become the club’s second new arrival.
The recruitment forms part of Pyramids’ plans to reinforce their squad before the start of the new season.
The club has moved quickly to take advantage of the breakdown in negotiations between Abdelkader and Al-Ahly, ultimately securing a preliminary agreement with the player.
For Al-Ahly, the failed negotiations mean the club will miss out on a player it had considered bringing back, after being unable to match his salary expectations.
For Abdelkader, meanwhile, the proposed move to Pyramids would provide a new chapter in his career and a long-term contract worth more than 100 million Egyptian pounds.
Deal awaits final approval
Although Pyramids and Abdelkader have reached a preliminary agreement on the player’s personal terms, the transfer has not yet been formally announced.
The remaining procedures are expected to be completed over the coming days.
If all goes according to plan, Pyramids will confirm the signing and add Abdelkader to their squad for the new season.
The club’s decision to increase its financial offer proved crucial after Al-Ahly’s negotiations stalled.
The four-year contract would also underline Pyramids’ commitment to the player, with the total value of his salary expected to exceed 100 million Egyptian pounds.
Pyramids are continuing to build their squad with the aim of entering the new season in stronger shape, and the expected arrival of Abdelkader would be another important step in that process.
After Al-Ahly were unable to meet the player’s financial demands, Pyramids moved in and appear to have secured the deal.
The Sky Blues now need only to complete the final formalities before Abdelkader’s move from Al-Karma becomes official.
