Officials at Zamalek SC have disclosed details of a transfer offer made by Saudi side NEOM SC for Ahmed Sayed Zizo, clarifying reports surrounding the proposed deal and its conditions.
The revelations come after renewed speculation about the size and structure of the offer, which was made prior to the player’s departure from the Cairo-based club.
Offer structure explained
According to a source within Zamalek, the club received a proposal in the summer of 2024 valued at $5.5m, to be paid in instalments rather than as a single lump sum.
This contradicts recent claims suggesting the deal exceeded $5m with additional conditions that could have raised the total value to $10m.
The same source stated that reports of a clause requiring a $10m payment if the player later joined another Egyptian club were inaccurate.
Disputed clause and negotiations
The official explained that the controversial clause was not included in NEOM’s offer, but rather proposed by Zamalek during negotiations.
However, the Saudi club rejected the condition, citing concerns over its potential implications. According to the source, there were fears that such a clause could be circumvented, particularly if the player terminated his contract independently and returned to the Egyptian league without financial consequences.
This disagreement appears to have been a key factor in shaping the outcome of the negotiations.
Timing influenced decision
Zamalek’s handling of the offer was also influenced by the timing of the proposal.
The bid arrived just weeks before a crucial encounter against Al Ahly SC in the African Super Cup, a period when the club was focused on competing for silverware.
The source indicated that selling Zizo at that stage could have provoked a negative reaction from supporters, suggesting that sporting priorities took precedence over financial considerations.
Zizo’s subsequent move
Zizo ultimately left Zamalek in a free transfer, joining Al Ahly after his departure from the club.
While the transfer marked the end of his time at Zamalek, the club has indicated that the matter is not entirely closed from a legal standpoint.
Legal action still ongoing
Despite confirming that the transfer chapter has effectively ended, Zamalek officials stressed that they are continuing to pursue their rights through a complaint lodged with the Players’ Affairs Committee.
The case reflects ongoing tensions surrounding player movements and contractual disputes within Egyptian football, particularly in high-profile transfers involving rival clubs.
For Zamalek, the disclosure of the NEOM offer details appears aimed at addressing speculation while reinforcing the club’s position on the circumstances surrounding Zizo’s exit.
