CAIRO: Egypt shot-stopper Essam Al-Hadari has joined Zamalek from Ismail on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee, to put an end to speculations over his future.
"I penned a contract with the Whites in the early hours of Friday," the 37-year-old told FilGoal.com.
"The transfer fee will be paid on Friday too and Ismaili should send my International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to Zamalek later on."
When asked about the financial details of the move, Al-Hadari refused to reveal any.
"Both clubs have reached an agreement, so the value of the deal belongs to them," he replied.
According to media reports, the Cairo outfit had tabled an EGP three-million bid for the Egypt number one.
At the time, Ismaili stated they wouldn’t mind letting Al-Hadari join Zamalek, provided that the White Knights pay his overdue payments as well as the Dervishes’ share of his fine.
Al-Hadari is widely considered as the best African keeper, having played a key role in The Pharaohs’ three successive African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
He also helped Ahly to a host of local and continental titles but illegitimately exited the club move to Switzerland’s Sion in 2008.
His relationship with the Red Devils has been ruined ever since.
Al-Hadari sought Ahly’s forgiveness more than once but the Egyptian champions stood firm on their decision not to bring him back.
The highly-rated custodian was then hit by a fine and four-month ban starting next season for breaching his contract with Ahly.
Having moved to Ahly’s arch-rivals Zamalek, Al-Hadari became too likely to face more hostility from his old club’s supporters.
Al-Hadari, who joined Ismaili last summer but opted to leave prematurely, was targeted by many sides over the past months.
Lierse looked to land him this summer only to be turned down by Ismaili. Petrojet also approached him of late.
His deal with Zamalek was wrapped up several hours after the departure of keeper Mohamed Abdul-Monsef from the club.
Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed is expected to retain his status as Zamalek’s first-choice goalie during the suspension of Al-Hadari, but the latter will most probably become the regular custodian afterwards.
