Ismaili have accepted Zamalek's EGP seven-million bid for defender Sherif Abdul-Fadil, the coastal club announced early on Thursday. Zamalek beat off competition from arch-rivals Ahli, who were desperate to sign the combative centre-back to ease their defensive concerns. "Ahli and Zamalek were both ready to pay seven million to acquire Abdul-Fadil's services but the club's board unanimously decided to accept Zamalek's offer," Ismaili chairman Nasr Aboul-Hassan told FilGoal.com. Ismaili are believed to have chosen Zamalek over Ahli to avoid incurring the wrath of their fans. There is no love lost between Ismaili and Ahli. The Dervishes' supporters always accuse the Red Devils of trying to unsettle their competitors through capturing their stars. Although Ahli's current squad boasts several ex-Ismaili players, none of them moved directly from Ismaili to the Egyptian champions. Mohamed Abdullah was the only player Ismaili sold to Ahli in a decade. Ismaili will use the funds of Abdul-Fadil's transfer to complete Essam Al-Hadari's deal, which was about to collapse due to the club's financial problems. The three-time Egyptian champions will pay Swiss side Sion $600,000 to sign the Egypt goalkeeper. Abdul-Fadil, a central defender who can also play as a right-back, is likely to be guaranteed first-team football with Zamalek next season. The White Knights moved for the 26-year-old after terminating the contract of towering defender Amir Azmi.
