Egyptian giants Zamalek have signed a young striker for Ksh 141 million and is set to debut in CAF Confederation Cup against Kenya Police.
CAF Confederation Cup defending champions Zamalek look prepared to unleash a new attacking weapon this season with the acquisition of 22-year-old Palestinian striker Omar Faraj from Swedish club AIK.
The deal, sealed at a reported staggering Ksh 141 million ($1.1 million) underscores Zamalek's ambitions to bolster their squad ahead of their upcoming matches, including a high-profile clash against Kenya Police scheduled for Saturday, September 9, at Nyayo National Stadium.
Faraj, who has made a name for himself in Sweden's top-flight league, Allsvenskan, with AIK, scored once and provided two assists in 13 games this season.
The striker's performances caught the eye of several clubs but it was the Cairo giants who secured his signature.
The young forward has signed a three-year contract that will see him don the white kit until June 2027, with AIK retaining a 15% sell-on clause in the event of his future transfer.
The timing of Faraj's debut for Zamalek is subject to the receipt and processing of his international registration card.
Although there is a possibility that the bureaucratic hurdles might not be cleared in time for the match against Kenya Police, the club remains optimistic.
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The match is pivotal for Zamalek as they aim to kick off their CAF Confederation Cup campaign on a winning note, and Faraj's presence could provide the cutting edge they need.
Born in Stockholm to parents of Palestinian descent, Faraj's football journey has been marked by significant transitions.
He started his career at IF Brommapojkarna in Sweden before moving to Spain to join Levante.
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Although his stint with Levante's main squad was brief, featuring mainly for the B team, it included a noteworthy appearance in a La Liga victory over Rayo Vallecano in May 2022.
Seeking more playing time, Faraj returned to Sweden, joining Degerfors IF on loan and later moving permanently to AIK.
Internationally, Faraj initially played for Sweden, making his debut in friendly wins against Finland and Iceland in January 2023.
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However, in a pivotal decision for his international career, he opted to represent Palestine in June of the same year.
He was recently an unused substitute in Palestine's historic draw against South Korea in Seoul during the AFC World Cup qualifiers.
His adaptability and previous experiences across various European leagues are expected to enhance Zamalek's attacking options.
Moreover, the forward's ability to operate in different tactical setups could prove invaluable for Zamalek's head coach Marcel Koller, who has shown a preference for versatile players.