Egyptian national team midfielder Ahmed Mostafa "Zizo" is currently at the center of Egyptian media attention, as football fans in the country eagerly await his future decisions.
Zizo has been one of the standout players in the Egyptian Premier League in recent years. Renowned for his prowess in the right-wing attacking midfielder position, he is noted for his speed, dribbling skills, precise passing, and goal-scoring abilities.
Zizo's contract with Zamalek is set to expire at the end of the current season, yet he has not reached an agreement to extend his contract with the Egyptian club. His father and agent, Mostafa Zizo, has held multiple discussions with the club without any resolution.
**Following in Mbappe's Footsteps**
Football fans recall Real Madrid's long-standing interest in signing Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, with negotiations managed by his mother. In a similar fashion, Zizo’s contract discussions involve his father's demands for a substantial financial bonus to persuade him to continue with Zamalek.
According to Egyptian reports, Zamalek is offering Zizo an annual salary of 80 million Egyptian pounds, making him potentially the highest-paid player in the club’s history. However, this does not include his father's commission, a significant point of contention in the negotiations.
Zizo's father is demanding a 20 million Egyptian pounds commission for finalizing the contract extension, while the player himself seeks a 50 million Egyptian pounds signing bonus. This amounts to a combined bonus of 70 million Egyptian pounds for both the player and his father.
**Increased Pressure on Zamalek**
Zamalek’s management is under mounting pressure, with reports suggesting that a meeting has already taken place between Al Ahly club officials and Zizo's father, reaching an agreement that is only pending the signing of the transfer contracts.
Other reports connect the player with a potential free transfer to UAE club Al Ain, with a chance to compete in the FIFA Club World Cup. Interest also comes from Saudi and Qatari clubs.
Adding to Zamalek's challenges, Zizo's impressive recent performances with the Egyptian national team, including scoring in victories over Ethiopia and Sierra Leone, have made them inch closer to qualifying for the World Cup, further upping the stakes.
Zamalek faces considerable financial burdens, and extending Zizo’s contract with a hefty salary could exacerbate their financial strain. The situation is complicated by other players nearing the end of their contracts, who may demand salaries comparable to or approaching Zizo’s proposed remuneration.
The Zamalek fanbase is pressing management to learn from past mistakes, particularly referencing the departure of their former star Emam Ashour to Al Ahly. Fans are urging the club to retain Zizo, the team’s leading star.
Meanwhile, Al Ahly is keen on acquiring Zizo as a high-profile signing to delight their fans ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, as well as to heap pressure and criticism on their rivals, Zamalek.