Zamalek Dismisses Ahmed Fattouh Transfer Rumors

The Saudi Pro League came knocking. Zamalek slammed the door.

Media pundit Ahmed Shobier has moved to kill off talk of Ahmed Fattouh leaving Zamalek this summer, after reports in Saudi outlets linked the left-back with a move to Al-Fateh on the back of his standout World Cup displays with Egypt.

For a few days, the story gathered pace. A Saudi club, a World Cup performer, a position every ambitious side wants to strengthen. It had all the ingredients of a classic late-window raid.

Shobier was having none of it.

Speaking on his radio show, he dismissed the Al-Fateh rumours as “journalistic speculation” and underlined that Zamalek have no intention of cashing in on one of their most important players.

“One of the Saudi newspapers said that Al-Fateh is interested in signing Ahmed Fattouh, and Fattouh certainly delivered a wonderful performance at the World Cup, and overall he is one of the wonderful players,” he said, before drawing a clear line under the story.

The interest, he suggested, is understandable. The outcome, from Zamalek’s side, is not in doubt.

Depth at left-back, but no sale

Zamalek are not short of options on the left. Mahmoud Bentayeg is in the squad. Echo has renewed his contract. Ahmed Khodary, who stepped in last season and impressed, is also available.

On paper, that sort of depth can tempt a club into a sale. In practice, it only underlines how highly the technical staff rate Fattouh.

For head coach Moatamed Gamal, the 26-year-old is more than just a left-back. Shobier highlighted that Gamal has used Fattouh in multiple roles in recent months, leaning on his versatility and consistency as the team reshapes ahead of the new campaign. His World Cup form with Egypt has only strengthened that internal valuation.

The message from Shobier was blunt. Fattouh’s performances on the biggest stage have raised his technical stock, not his availability.

“Settled matter” as new season looms

Shobier closed his remarks with a categorical verdict on the defender’s future.

“Everything being circulated about Ahmed Fattouh is merely journalistic speculation, and I am one million per cent confident that it is impossible for Zamalek to let Fattouh go. This is a settled matter.”

No room for interpretation. No hint of negotiation.

While the rumours swirl outside, Zamalek’s work continues inside camp. The team are deep into their pre-season programme, using a series of friendlies to fine-tune Gamal’s ideas before they open their league campaign against Al-Ittihad Al-Sakandary on 21 August at Cairo International Stadium.

Barring a dramatic twist, Fattouh will be there, patrolling the flank where Zamalek insist he belongs.