Sporting announced that the 28-year-old has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal after reaching an agreement with Zamalek.

"The negotiation was difficult , but what matters now is that realized a great dream and I am in one of the biggest clubs in Europe," Shika told Sporting website.

Sporting said that Shikabala's contract includes a minimum fee release clause of 45M Euros.

It is believed that the 18-time Portuguese champions paid $500,000 to Zamalek, plus a 5% clause of future sale.

Shikabala has been hopeful of leaving Zamalek for several months after falling out with the club's boards over unpaid wages.

The playmaker will be the fourth Egypt international in Portugal, with Saleh Gomaa, Ahmed Hassan 'Koka' and Ali Ghazal already there.

Sporting, who meet Academica on Sunday, are currently second of the Liga table, with just a couple points away from leaders Benfica.