Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan has joined Zamalek on a free transfer from Ahli, the Whites said on their website. The midfield veteran signed a two-year contract to become the first summer recruit for the league runners-up, who are looking to intensify their squad ahead of next season. Hassan, 37, ended a three-year stint with Ahli after the club decided not to offer him an extension upon the request of manager Manuel Jose. Jose insisted to ditch the former Anderlecht ace despite the Ahli fans' eagerness to have him on board for another season. In Ahli's last league game of the season against MCDR, Hassan came off the bench to score one of the goals of the competition, after which Ahli fans chanted 'He will not leave'. However, Jose stood firm on his decision, saying that he is 'no need for a 37-year-old player' in his team. His move to Zamalek was expected following the appointment of Hassan Shehata this month, knowing that the former Egypt manager used to rely heavily on the services of the four-time Nations Cup winner during his reign. Hassan becomes one of few players who have defended the colors of Egypt's top trio Ismaili, Ahli and Zamalek.
