Ahram Online highlights the top transfers as Egyptian teams prepare for the new campaign.
Zamalek’s rebuilding revolution
Zamalek made headlines this summer by signing 10 new players as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2024-2025 season.
The White Knights finished third in the league and were eliminated in the CAF Confederation Cup quarter-finals.
Among their signings are five foreign players: Palestinian striker Oday Dabbagh, Swedish-Palestinian winger Adam Kaied, Angolan forward Chico Banza, Moroccan U-20 winger Abdelhamid Maali, and Brazilian winger Juan Alvina.
Domestically, Zamalek added goalkeeper El-Mahdi Soliman, midfielder Ahmed Rabi (from NBE Club), defender Mohamed Ismael (from ZED FC), and the attacking duo Amr Nasser and Ahmed Sherif from Pharco FC.
This rebuilding phase followed the appointment of John Edward as football director, who brought in Belgian coach Yannick Ferrera to lead the squad.
Zamalek also offloaded several players, including Tunisian striker Hamza Mathlouthi, winger Mostafa Shalaby (to NBE Club), and Sayed Abdallah.
Tunisian winger Ahmed Jafeli and Mostafa El-Zenary were sent out on loan.
Meanwhile, veterans Mahmoud "Shikabala" Abdelrazik and Mohamed Abdelshafi retired.
Zamalek will open their league campaign on Friday with a challenging away match against Ceramica Cleopatra at Suez Stadium.
Ahly splash the cash
Defending champions Ahly were busy in the transfer market, securing eight new signings ahead of the season, and notably before their participation in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Key acquisitions included Ahmed "Zizo" Sayed on a free transfer from rivals Zamalek and Mahmoud "Trezeguet" Hassan, who signed a five-year deal after leaving Turkish side Trabzonspor.
Ahly also landed midfielder Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane from Ferencváros and goalkeeper Mohamed Seha from Arab Contractors.
The club retained striker Mohamed Sherif following the departure of Palestinian forward Wessam Abou Ali, as well as Malian midfielder Alio Dieng after his loan spell in Saudi Arabia ended.
Notable departures include Tunisian left-back Ali Maaloul, midfielder Amr El Sulaya, defender Akram Tawfik, and goalkeeper Hamza Alaa.
Ahly will begin their league title defence on Saturday with an away game against Modern Sport at Cairo International Stadium.
Pyramids FC’s measured approach
CAF Champions League winners Pyramids FC took a more conservative approach this summer, announcing just three new signings.
They secured Brazilian left winger Ewerton from Banik Ostrava, Mostafa Ziko from ZED FC, and goalkeeper Mahmoud Gad from Masry.
The club also recalled Mohamed Reda, Mahmoud Saber, and Mahmoud "Zalaka" Abdelhafiz after their loan spells ended.
Pyramids parted ways with rising star Ibrahim Adel, who transferred to the UAE side Al-Jazira, and South African Fagrie Lakay, who joined Cleaopatra FC on permanent basis.
Pyramids FC, who finished second in the Egyptian League table last season, will start their new campaign against Wadi Degla on Friday.
Other notable moves
Veteran goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal joined Modern Sport on a free transfer from NBE Club, while goalkeeper Mahmoud "Genesh" Abdelrahim moved from Modern Sport to Ittihad of Alexandria.
Newly promoted Kahraba Ismailia made a splash by signing Moroccan star Mohamed Ounajem.
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