Zamalek SC appears to have entered a new phase of reshaping the team ahead of the upcoming season, as the club’s management moves to close the chapter on Mo’tamed Gamal, the former head coach, while preparing to appoint a foreign manager to lead the team in the coming period.

According to sources within the club, Zamalek’s management has already begun preparing Mo’tamed Gamal’s outstanding financial dues, with payment expected in the coming hours or days. The move comes after the club decided not to retain him as head coach.

Mo’tamed Gamal had previously requested the payment of his delayed financial dues, while Zamalek is also working to settle part of the outstanding payments owed to the team’s players before the start of the new season’s preparations, in an effort to create greater stability within the squad.

Ibrahim Salah the Leading Candidate to Stay Alongside the Foreign Coach

As Zamalek moves closer to appointing a foreign head coach, the club’s football management is considering keeping an Egyptian coach within the new technical staff to facilitate communication with the players and help convey the manager’s vision to the team.

The current shortlist is reportedly limited to Ibrahim Salah, the current assistant coach, and former Zamalek star Mahmoud Fathallah. Ibrahim Salah is believed to have a slight advantage in the race to remain with the team, particularly because of his knowledge of the squad and familiarity with the club’s current situation.

However, the final decision will not be made until the foreign manager’s appointment is officially completed, as the new coach is expected to have the final say on the composition of his backroom staff in coordination with the club’s management.

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Criticism of Mo’tamed Gamal Despite His Achievements

Meanwhile, former Zamalek and Egypt star Hassan Shehata criticized Mo’tamed Gamal for not submitting his resignation after the end of last season, arguing that the coach might have remained in charge had he taken that step at the time.

Despite the criticism, Mo’tamed Gamal’s achievements with Zamalek cannot be overlooked. He led the team to the league title last season and guided the club to the CAF Confederation Cup final before losing to USM Alger, leaving a clear mark during his time in charge.

Zamalek Continues to Clear Its International Financial Files

Away from the technical staff, Zamalek’s management is continuing its efforts to settle outstanding financial cases involving foreign clubs, as part of a broader plan to close as many files as possible that could affect the club’s position regarding its club licensing requirements.

Zamalek recently settled its case with French club Saint-Tian after paying $508,000, while also closing the file involving outstanding payments owed to Saint-Étienne related to the transfer of Moroccan defender Mahmoud Bentayg.

The club now has three major cases remaining, including two cases involving Ukrainian club Oleksandriya, each worth $300,000, in addition to a case involving former player Ibrahima Ndiaye, whose outstanding dues are estimated at around $1.7 million. Negotiations are ongoing in an attempt to reach a financial settlement.

Zamalek has also previously resolved a number of cases involving former players, coaches, and clubs, including the assistants of former manager José Gomes, former head coach Christian Gross, and Beninese striker Samson Akinyoola, as well as outstanding files involving Omar Faraj, Ahmed Jafali, Chico Banza, Yannick Ferreira, and Ferjani Sassi, among others.

As Zamalek moves closer to officially closing the Mo’tamed Gamal chapter, attention is now turning to the identity of the foreign coach expected to take charge. His appointment will be a key step in shaping the club’s next phase as Zamalek looks to build on last season’s achievements and restore greater technical and administrative stability ahead of the new campaign.