Bencharki set for Zamalek departure

Achraf Bencharki of Zamalek

Tuesday Jun 28, 2022. 16:00

Zamalek president Mortada Mansour has announced that Achraf Bencharki will leave the club at the end of his contract as he eyes a move to Qatar or Turkey.

The 27-year-old forward has enjoyed a successful three-year spell at the Cairo International Stadium, winning four trophies following his switch from Al-Hilal of Saudi Arabia in July 2019.

Bencharki helped the White Knights to the Egyptian Premier League title last season, contributing 15 goals in 30 appearances and he has played an integral part again this term as they lead the standings by two points ahead of Pyramids after 22 games.

However, the Moroccan star has opted not to renew his deal with the Cairo giants, who made a last-ditch attempt to extend his stay at the White Castle on Sunday.

“We informed Bencharki on Sunday that we are keen on renewing his contract in a meeting with Amir Mortada, but he assured us that he wants to move to another country,” Mansour said.

“We met him yesterday and he told us that he didn’t want to continue playing in Egypt and that he wanted to move to Qatar or Turkey.

“Bencharki was supposed to renew his contract before last December 31 with the former board, and we only took over the club on March 10.

“We will not beg him to stay at the club, instead we will thank him for his time with us and organize a farewell party for him.”