Al-Zamalek rejects selling Bezerra

Al Ahly continues its intense double-session morning and evening training during its current external camp in Spain, in preparation for the new season. Head coach Hossam El Badry held a session with the players, explaining various technical aspects and many details related to the training program on the sidelines of the external preparation camp.

Yesterday’s training featured a special physical conditioning session under the supervision of the load planner, followed by several technical drills. The goalkeepers also underwent rigorous training under the supervision of the goalkeeping coach, and the session concluded with a scrimmage involving the players.

Al Ahly is scheduled to face Barcelona in a friendly match on the 19th at the Spotify Camp Nou, as part of the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Cup. The anticipated clash will see the African champions take on the Spanish football giant. The match holds special significance, as it will be Barcelona’s first game at Camp Nou since its reopening, and represents the Catalan club’s official debut before its fans in preparation for the 2026-2027 season. For Al Ahly, the encounter marks a historic milestone, as it becomes the first Egyptian and African club to participate in the Joan Gamper Cup.

Meanwhile, Al Ahly announced the sale of Tunisian player Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane to Qatari club Al-Shahania. Ben Romdhane (26) had joined Al Ahly in the summer of 2025 from Hungarian club Ferencváros on a four-year contract but has decided to embark on a new professional experience in the Qatari league.

In other news, Brazilian winger Juan Bezerra of Zamalek has insisted on leaving the White Castle during the current summer transfer window, refusing to return to the team’s training sessions that have begun in preparation for the new season. A source close to Bezerra revealed that the player sent a message two days ago to a member of Zamalek’s board of directors, stating in text: “I am determined not to return. Please let me leave.”

Bezerra is currently in Brazil. His father holds shares in the company managing his business affairs and is behind his son’s desire to leave Zamalek and move to the UAE Pro League via Al Dhafra Club, which has formally requested to sign the Brazilian player for $4 million, plus an additional $1 million in bonuses. However, Zamalek’s board of directors does not wish to sell the player at this time and insists on his retention.

On another front, a senior source at the Egyptian Football Association revealed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to award Egypt the right to host the Africa U-23 Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, following the conclusion of the executive committee meeting.