Egyptian defender Karim Hafez wants to remain in Europe

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Nov 24, 2018. 10:00

Egyptian defender Karim Hafez has admitted that the prospect of playing for Al Ahly or Zamalek is a tempting one, but he intends to continue his career in Europe.

Hafez is the books of Turkish Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir, having signed on a one-year loan deal from Wadi Degla. The Istanbul-based club have an option to sign the 22-year-old permanently at the end of the 2018/19 season.

The Egyptian international has yet to feature for the Super Lig outfit, a situation which wasn’t helped by an injury he suffered early in the campaign which has seen him placed firmly as second choice for the left-back berth, currently occupied by former Arsenal and Manchester City man Gael Clichy.

There have been suggestions that he could return to Egypt in order to enjoy regular playing time and continue his development as one of Egyptian football’s most promising defensive prospects.

“Any player would like to play for Al Ahly or Zamalek, they are the biggest two clubs in Africa and the Middle East. But nobody communicated me in a formal manner,” Hafez told MBC Masr channel.

“I hope to play for one of the two clubs but I don’t consider returning to Egypt in the time being and aim to continue my experience in Europe. I asked my agent to seek a new destination for me if I don’t play until January.

“My agent has got a great relationship with Al Ahly coach Patrice Carteron and he told me that Al Ahly suffer from crisis in the left back. I don’t mind joining Al Ahly if I don’t receive a convenient offer in Europe. I spent six years at Al Ahly youth sector before joining Wadi Degla.”