Shobeir dismisses transfer speculation amid Confederation Cup preparations
Ahmed Shobeir has rejected reports suggesting that Zamalek SC striker Oday Dabbagh is set for a move to Europe, insisting that no official offers have been received by the club.
Speaking on his radio programme on Tuesday, Shobeir addressed speculation linking the forward with interest from the Belgian league, describing the claims as unfounded and driven largely by intermediaries rather than formal negotiations.
“It is rumored that there is an offer from the Belgian league for Oday Dabbagh, and the player is considered one of Zamalek’s gains this season, as he scored eight goals in the league, and he also scored in the African Championship, and he has proven his presence.”
Rumours dismissed after verification
Despite the growing speculation, Shobeir said inquiries had been made to verify the reports, which ultimately found no concrete basis.
“Now it is said that there is a Belgian offer for Al-Dabbagh, but we investigated and confirmed, and it turned out that there are no official offers, and what is being circulated is just talk, like what is being said about Hossam Abdel-Magid and many other players. There are no official offers at all, but rather just talk from agents and intermediaries.”
The comments come at a time when transfer rumours often intensify towards the end of the season, particularly for players who have delivered consistent performances.
Focus firmly on competitions
According to Shobeir, Zamalek’s internal stance is clear: the club is prioritising results on the pitch rather than engaging in discussions about potential transfers.
He cited a source within the club as reinforcing that message, particularly given the importance of the remaining fixtures.
“A source inside the club told me: We are not in a position to be preoccupied with these inaccurate matters at the moment, because we are focused on two championships, and we have a number of matches that does not exceed eight matches, but they will decide two championships, so there is no room to talk about such matters now.”
The statement highlights the club’s determination to maintain concentration during a critical phase of the season.
Key match ahead in Confederation Cup
Zamalek are currently preparing for a decisive encounter against CR Belouizdad in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final.
The match is scheduled to take place on Friday at Cairo International Stadium, with Zamalek holding a narrow 1-0 advantage from the first leg. That result places the Egyptian side in a strong position to secure qualification for the final, although the outcome remains finely balanced.
The upcoming fixture is one of several crucial matches that will shape the club’s season, underlining why the focus has remained firmly on competitive priorities rather than transfer developments.
speculation overshadowed by on-field priorities
While interest in Dabbagh’s future may continue to generate headlines, the current situation suggests no immediate movement towards a transfer. Instead, Zamalek appear committed to maintaining stability within the squad as they pursue success in multiple competitions.
With only a handful of matches remaining to determine their season, the club’s emphasis on focus and discipline reflects the high stakes involved in the closing stages of the campaign.