Zamalek resist Shabab Al Ahli move for Juan Pizero amid agent payment dispute

Zamalek have moved to block a proposed transfer of Colombian striker Juan Pizarro to Shabab Al Ahli, with negotiations stalling over disputed agent commission payments. The Egyptian club, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season with 54 points, are refusing to green-light the move until financial disagreements with the player's representatives are resolved. Pizarro, who joined Zamalek from Millonarios in 2022, has made 47 competitive appearances for the Cairo-based outfit, establishing himself as a key attacking option in the club's pursuit of domestic silverware.

The dispute underscores the mounting complexity of transfers involving third-party intermediaries in Middle Eastern football. Shabab Al Ahli, competing in the UAE Pro League and fresh from consolidating their top-flight status, have tabled a formal offer for the 28-year-old forward, but Zamalek's board has determined that the asking price does not justify surrendering leverage over commission terms. Previous high-profile moves from the Egyptian Pro League to the Gulf have hinged on comparable financial mechanisms, with agent fees frequently becoming flashpoints between selling clubs and buying consortiums operating under differing regulatory frameworks.

Resolution of this impasse could take weeks, leaving Pizarro's immediate future uncertain as both clubs weigh their negotiating positions. Should Zamalek relent, Pizarro would arrive in the UAE having scored 11 goals across 24 league appearances this campaign—a tally that positions him among the continent's more prolific attacking talents. His potential departure would force Zamalek to reassess their forward line ahead of next season's Egyptian Cup and potential African Champions League participation, contingent on their domestic league finish.