Egyptian club ZED have completed the permanent signing of winger Omar Khader from English side Aston Villa, with the player joining his new teammates at the club’s pre-season training camp in Turkey.
The transfer represents the latest addition to ZED’s squad as preparations continue for a season that will see the club compete on both domestic and continental fronts.
According to a source at ZED, the Egyptian winger arrived at the team’s training base in Turkey on Friday morning after finalising his move from Aston Villa.
The source confirmed that the deal is a permanent transfer rather than a loan agreement, marking Khader’s return to a club where he previously played before moving abroad.
His arrival forms part of an active recruitment drive by ZED during the current summer transfer window as the club strengthens its squad ahead of a demanding campaign.
ZED are preparing to compete in the Egyptian Premier League, the Egypt Cup, the Egyptian Professional Clubs League Cup and the CAF Confederation Cup.
The club secured a place in the continental competition following a decision by the Egyptian Football Association, which awarded ZED qualification alongside Al Ahly, while Zamalek and Pyramids will represent Egypt in the CAF Champions League.
Khader is the latest player to join Mohamed Shawky’s squad this summer.
According to the source, ZED have completed four signings so far during the transfer window.
In addition to Khader’s arrival from Aston Villa, the club have signed Tarek Alaa from Pyramids on a permanent transfer, recruited Mahmoud Oka from Haras El Hodoud and secured the loan signing of Abdel Rahman Gouda from Pyramids.
Despite those additions, ZED are not yet finished with their transfer business.
The source said the club remains in the market for another forward before the current transfer window closes.
The intention is to strengthen the attacking options available to the coaching staff as the team prepares to balance commitments across four competitions during the coming season.
Attention has also focused on the future of right-back Tarek Alaa following reports linking him with a possible move away from the club.
However, the source dismissed suggestions of any immediate negotiations involving the defender.
“Tariq Alaa, the right-back, is with the team as usual, and his focus is on the championships of next season. There are no negotiations currently with Al-Ahly.”
While ruling out any ongoing discussions, the source acknowledged that circumstances in the transfer market can change.
“What we can confirm is that Tarek Alaa is with the team, but during the transfer periods, new developments may occur in the future.”
ZED travelled to Turkey on 27 July to begin a closed pre-season training camp under the guidance of head coach Mohamed Shawky.
A squad of 29 players made the trip as preparations intensified ahead of the new campaign.
The team has already begun its programme of friendly matches, opening the camp with a 3-1 victory over UAE club Khorfakkan.
Further fixtures are scheduled against Kuwait’s Al-Salmiya, Bahrain’s Al-Muharraq and Turkish side Kocaelispor before the squad returns home.
The series of friendlies is intended to help Shawky assess his expanded squad and integrate the club’s new signings before competitive football resumes.
For Khader, the move represents a return to familiar surroundings after his spell with Aston Villa.
His arrival gives ZED another attacking option as the club seeks to build a squad capable of competing successfully in both Egyptian and African football.
With four new signings already secured and plans to recruit an additional striker before the transfer deadline, ZED continue to strengthen their squad as they prepare for one of the busiest seasons in the club’s recent history.
