Zamalek completed the signing of Tunisia fullback Hamza Mathlouthi on a three-year deal for their first close-season acquisition, the Cairo giants announced on Wednesday. Mathlouthi spent four seasons at Tunisian side Club Sfaxien, whom he joined from Club Bizertin in the summer of 2016. The 28-year-old joined Zamalek on a free transfer after his contract with Sfaxien expired at the end of June 2020. Mathlouthi, who has 28 caps with Tunisia, was a regular starter for Sfaxien. He scored twice and dished out three assists in all competitions last season. Zamalek have been on the lookout for a new right-back since fellow Tunisian Hamdi Nagguez unilaterally terminated his contract with the club in January. The White Knights are looking to strengthen their squad after enduring a disappointing season in which they have failed to win any major trophies. They finish second in the domestic league, lost the African Champions League final against Cairo rivals Ahly and exited the Egypt Cup at the semi-final stage after a 3-1 loss to Talae El-Geish. Reports are also linking Zamalek with several other players, including Danish-born Egyptian forward Alexander Jakobsen and ex-Ahly duo Saleh Gomaa and Ahmed El-Sheikh, who were offloaded by the Red Devils following the end of the season. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sportsand on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)