Hossam El Zanaty is close to being appointed as the new Sporting Director of Zamalek SC, succeeding John Edward, though the final agreement and official start date are yet to be finalized.
FilGoal revealed that El Zanaty held a direct meeting with John Edward to review the team’s status and ongoing dossiers before making a final decision regarding the role. The discussion covered player contracts, financial standing, and administrative details concerning the first team, ensuring the potential sporting director is fully aware of the existing challenges prior to taking charge.
John Edward was not the only figure El Zanaty consulted; he previously met with Zamalek’s board and Abdel Nasser Mohamed, the football director, as part of a series of consultations preceding the formal appointment.
Financial constraints have delayed El Zanaty’s decision, particularly with around 25% of some players’ dues from last season still unpaid. Despite this obstacle, sources indicate that El Zanaty remains the frontrunner for the post, with an agreement and start date expected within two weeks if negotiations conclude positively.
El Zanaty currently serves as the Assistant Sporting Director at Danish club Nordsjælland. He previously worked in management at Masar FC, within the “Right to Dream” organization, as Sporting Director at El Gouna, and as Head of the Competitions Committee at the Egyptian Football Association.
His primary objective will be building upon the foundation laid by John Edward—who departed after a league-winning season—while balancing the squad’s technical needs against contract obligations and financial delays.
