The Reda Abdel Aal Transfer That Shook Egyptian Football

In 1993, Reda Abdel Aal became the centre of attention across Egyptian newspapers and magazines after leaving Zamalek for Al Ahly, in a move that sent shockwaves through Egyptian football.

Although Abdel Aal had spent six years at Zamalek and wanted to remain at the club, where he had won three Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egypt Cups and an Afro-Asian Club Championship, he also sought a higher salary. At the time, Zamalek was headed by chairman Galal Ibrahim, and the club offered him an annual salary of EGP 25,000.

Abdel Aal was seeking EGP 45,000, in line with what some of his teammates were earning. The negotiations eventually reached a standstill, opening the door for Al Ahly to make its move.

During this period, Abdel Aal received a phone call from a man he did not know at the time. It was Adly El-Qeia, an Al Ahly official involved in the club's recruitment, who tried to convince him to make the move to the Red Castle.

Abdel Aal initially rejected the offer as he waited for Zamalek to respond to his demands. According to his own account, however, the club did not get back to him.

Al Ahly then sent a car to pick Abdel Aal up near Zamalek's headquarters and take him home, where the details of the move were discussed.

El-Qeia subsequently called Al Ahly chairman Saleh Selim and told him that he was with Abdel Aal and that the player was ready to join the club. Abdel Aal then signed a three-year contract with Al Ahly, according to his account of the transfer.

Abdel Aal has said that the move was not simply about money, but also about the appreciation he received from Al Ahly officials during the negotiations.

When Zamalek learned that Abdel Aal had signed for Al Ahly, the dispute escalated and reached the Egyptian Football Association. The federation eventually ordered an auction between the two clubs for the player's services.

Al Ahly won the auction with a bid of EGP 625,000, while Zamalek offered EGP 250,000. The figure made Abdel Aal's move one of the most expensive transfers in Egyptian football at the time and completed his controversial switch from the White Castle to its Cairo rivals.

He continued to add to his trophy cabinet at Al Ahly, winning five league titles, two Egypt Cups, the Arab Club Championship and the Arab Super Cup.