Zamalek have decided to keep Mahdi Suleiman in their plans beyond the end of the current season, although the club have yet to begin formal negotiations over a new contract.
The Egyptian club are reviewing their goalkeeping options with several contracts approaching their expiry, but Suleiman has emerged as a key part of their plans after his role within the team changed significantly during the current campaign.
Suleiman was previously viewed largely as a reserve option, but he has since been given more opportunities to play. His performances have strengthened the technical staff’s confidence in his ability to compete for the position and protect Zamalek’s goal in the next stage.
Zamalek’s decision to retain the goalkeeper is also linked to their desire to avoid a major overhaul of the position during the summer. The club regard Suleiman’s continuation as part of an effort to maintain stability rather than simply extending the contract of one player.
Although the administration’s position on Suleiman is understood to be clear, negotiations over a renewal have not yet officially begun.
Zamalek have several issues to resolve before opening talks, with the club’s current agenda already occupied by a number of priorities. The administration is therefore waiting for the appropriate moment to begin discussions with the goalkeeper.
The club’s financial situation is also an important factor in determining the timing of the negotiations. Zamalek are working to organise their financial commitments, while contract renewals require sufficient resources to implement new agreements without placing further pressure on the club’s finances.
Suleiman’s future is not the only issue facing Zamalek as they assess the goalkeeping department.
Mohamed Awad is also approaching the final months of his contract, making his situation an important part of the club’s planning for the position. Awad wants to remain at Zamalek and is waiting for the administration to determine whether it intends to continue with him.
The goalkeeper does not consider leaving the club a priority and would prefer to continue his career with Zamalek in the coming period.
As a result, the club is considering the futures of Suleiman and Awad together rather than treating the two cases separately. The administration wants to establish the overall structure of the goalkeeping department before reaching its final decisions on contract renewals and whether any new additions will be required.
That assessment could lead to changes in the goalkeeping hierarchy in the coming period, as Zamalek continue to determine the best way to structure the position.
For now, however, Suleiman’s place in the club’s future plans is clear, while Awad remains waiting for an indication from the administration about whether he will also be part of those plans.
The next stage will therefore focus on deciding the final shape of Zamalek’s goalkeeping department, with both players awaiting developments over their respective futures at the club.
