Zamalek's Al-Hadari close to joining Merreikh

السبت، 18 ديسمبر 2010 - 20:31

كتب : Sherif Tarek

Zamalek and Merreikh have finally reached an agreement over the anticipated winter transfer of Essam Al-Hadari to the Sudanese side, said the Egypt goalie.

Both clubs worked out the details of the deal on Saturday and it's expected to go through in the immediate future.

It's understood that Merreikh will obtain the services of Al-Hadari on a permanent basis for $700,000. They will also pay the highly-rated keeper's $100,000 fine.

The 37-year-old was handed a four-month ban, which ends in February 2011, and a hefty fine for illegally annulling his contract with Ahli in 2008 to join Swiss side Sion.

The former Ismaili shot-stopper said on his personal website that he's traveling to Sudan very soon to wrap up the deal.

Sudanese Nationality

Al-Hadari also mentioned on his site that he will be a naturalized Sudanese citizen in order to be able to seal his move to Merreikh.

The rules of the Sudan Football Association (SFA) prohibit top-flight teams from signing foreign keepers.

However, agent Mohamed Shiha stressed that Al-Hadari will complete the swoop without acquiring the Sudanese nationality.

When asked about how the signing will be completed under the SFA regulations, Shiha told Modern TV: "According to the law this is not allowed but we will manage to finalize the deal.

"Merreikh chairman Gamal Al-Wali's relationship with the officials in Sudan is great and that should help us find a loophole."

Political Ambition

Shiha revealed that Al-Hadari doesn't want to be a naturalized Sudanese because of his 'political ambition'.

"He wants to be involved with politics in Egypt after his retirement. He plans to take part in the People's Assembly elections one day," he explained.

"So his political ambition prevents him from having another nationality apart from the Egyptian."

Citzens with dual nationality cannot participate in the PA elections.

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