Iraq midfielder Nashat Akram has snubbed a move to Zamalek and joined UAE side Al-Ain, the Gulf club announced on their official website on Wednesday. Al-Ain did not reveal the length of Akram's deal as the talented midfielder joined on a free transfer after opting not to renew his contract with Saudi outfit Al-Shabab. "I'm very happy to play in such a prestigious club and will do my best with my new team-mates to ensure Al-Ain return to glory days," he told a press conference. Akram, who played a pivotal role in Iraq's Asian Cup triumph, caught the eye of Zamalek coach Henri Michel, who desperately wants to reinforce his midfield. The Cairo giants signed four defenders in the summer transfer window to reshuffle their shaky backline but are short of options in the defensive midfielder position. Zamalek have reportedly offered Akram a lucrative deal to acquire his services but their efforts were not successful. Al-Ain's financial offer was seemingly too difficult to be turned down. It remains to be seen whether the men in white can move to another target after missing out on Trabzonspor midfielder Ayman Abdul-Aziz and Akram. According to the Egyptian Football Association regulations, no club is permitted to register a new player in its local squad after the beginning of the Egyptian League, which kicks off on August 13th.
