CAIRO: Petrojet revealed their intent to sign Ismaili’s want-out goalie Essam Al-Hadari, who had been approached by Zamalek earlier this summer.
It was reported that Zamalek tabled a EGP three-million bid for the Egypt number one, who later confirmed his negotiations with the Cairo club.
Ismaili stated they wouldn’t mind letting Al-Hadari join Zamalek, provided that the White Knights pay the 37-year-old’s overdue payments as well as the Dervishes’ share of his fine.
With both clubs still unable to reach a final agreement, Petrojet joined the race for Al-Hadari’s services.
"The boardroom will look into all the offers we received for Al-Hadari and pick the best of them," Ismaili’s board member Hamed Mousa told FilGoal.com.
Al-Hadari is widely considered as the best African keeper, having played a key role in Egypt’s three successive African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
He helped Ahli to a host of local and continental titles but acrimoniously exited the club move to Switzerland’s Sion in 2008. His relationship with the Red Devils has been ruined ever since.
Al-Hadari pleaded with Ahli more than once to re-sign him but the Egyptian champions stood firm on their decision not to bring him back.
The highly-rated custodian was recently hit by a four-month ban starting next season and a fine for breaching his contract with Ahli two years ago.
Al-Hadari, who repeatedly expressed his desire to leave Ismaili, was also targeted by Lierse in the close season but the coastal outfit turned down the Belgian side’s bid.
He joined Ismaili in the summer of 2009.
