Zamalek's forward Mohamed Ibrahim (Photo: Ahram)
Spanish club Malaga have put their interest in signing Zamalek striker Mohamed Ibrahim on hold, Zamalek said on Monday.
La Liga side was reportedly near to sign the Whites' attacker on a six-month loan starting in January, but deal will be delayed.
"Malaga have asked us to delay Ibrahim signing until next summer," Zamalek marketing director Khaled Refaat told the club's official site.
"The Spanish club is currently struggling at the Spanish league table and so they informed us that their priority now is signing an experienced player in the domestic league," he added.
The 21-year-old Ibrahim rose to prominence with a series of impressive displays last season, playing a key role in helping Zamalek make their best-ever Egyptian Premier League start before the competition was cancelled due to the country’s political turmoil.
He also helped them to win their first championship since 2008, clinching the Egypt Cup this month.
"I would like to thank all Zamalek officials for doing much effort to reach an agreement for the loan deal, but Malaga decided only to postpone it," the player's agent Tamer Yousry said.
"The Spanish club is still holding to Ibrahim, but the club's new sports director believes the team's current circumstances need a player who has experience in the Spanish league," he added.
Ibrahim, who is lauded for his deceptive moves, has become a regular member of Egypt's senior squad under American coach Bob Bradley.
Malaga are currently 13th in the league table with 17 points from 16 games, 26 points behind leaders Barcelona. They ended last season in sixth place with 57 points, 43 points behind winners Barcelona.
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