Ismaily's Mohamed Awad (Photo: Ahram)
Ismaily goalkeeper Mohamed Awad announced late Tuesday on Mehwar TV Channel's program 'Zamalek Today' that he had completed his transfer to the 'White knights'.
The announcement came in a dramatic fashion, as Zamalek's president Mortada Mansour was a phone guest with the show's host Zamalek former midfielder Khaled El-Ghandour who asked the chairman about Awad's deal.
Zamalek's president surprised the host by putting Awad on speaker, where the 27-year-old star goalie announced his move to the White Castle.
"It's a done deal, and the official announcement will be soon. I thank the Zamalek and Ismaily chairmen for giving the approval to complete the deal."
Awad joined Ismaily's first team coming from the youth squad in 2012, then he was loaned to Masry for half a season in 2015. He joined Saudi Arabia's Al-Wehda on a one-season-loan contract during the 2018-2019 season.
The new Zamalek goalkeeper reached his peak during the 2016-2017 season with Ismaily, where he made 34 appearances, and maintained clean sheets in 14 matches.
The negotiations between the Whites and the Suez canal club had reportedly faced stumbling blocks for a period of time due to financial disagreement.
"I gave up a large amount of my contract to Ismaily just to complete the deal after revealing their financial demands," Awad explained.
Zamalek sold two goalkeepers, Omar Salah and Emad El-Sayed in the current transfer market, and signed Smouha's goalkeeper Mohamed Abo Gabal, who was a former Zamalek player.
The Cairo giants first goalkeeper Mahmoud 'Gennesh' Abdel-Rehem had suffered a training injury while with the national team at the recent Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Egypt.
"We shouldn't forget Gennesh, who is like my older brother. He is number one in Zamalek and his place is reserved as soon as he returns from his injury," Awad told 'Zamalek Today'.
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