Zamalek keeper Mohamed Abou-Gabal is set to join Al Nassr on a free transfer this summer as the Saudi giants reportedly reached an agreement with the 2021 AFCON hero, according Kingfut.com.
The 33-year-old’s deal at the White Castle expires in the summer of 2022, and he has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia since his impressive performances in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Throughout the knock-out stages, ‘Gabaski’ played a major role in Egypt’s run to the final, leading his side to two penalty shoot-out victories against Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
Furthermore, he picked up the Man of the Match award after an incredible performance against Senegal in the final despite the defeat, having saved Sadio Mane’s penalty and another kick in the penalty shootout.
As a result, it was no surprise to see the towering keeper being linked with a move to the gulf area, especially after he had cast doubts over his future with Zamalek, saying he wants to feel appreciated.
According to renowned Saudi news outlet Ariyadiah, Gabaski has now reached a ‘final agreement’ to join giants Al Nassr on a free transfer next summer to strengthen their goalkeeping area.
Despite sitting second on the league table, Al Nassr have been struggling on the defensive side, conceding 24 times in 21 games.
And it looks like none of the team’s goalkeepers have convinced head coach Miguel Russo, who went to use three different names between the sticks this season, namely veteran Waleed Abdullah, Amin Al-Bukhari, and youngster Nawaf Al-Aqidi.
However, the three keepers have a combined of only eight clean sheets in 23 games across all competitions as the team have been relying on their attack to get the wins.
Given his experience, it would be a surprise if Gabaski wouldn’t go directly in the starting line-up if the news come to be true.
If confirmed Abou-Gabal would become the third-ever Egyptian keeper to play in the Saudi Pro League after his coach at the national team Essam El-Hadary and his Zamalek teammate Mohamed Awad.
He would also become the third Egyptian to represent Al Nassr after Al Ahly legend Hossam Ghaly and Ismaily legend Hosny Abd Rabo.
Al Nassr currently sit second on the league table with 41 points, six behind league leaders Ittihad Jeddah. They are also still in the King’s Cup, where they will face Al Hilal in the quarter-finals in their next game.
The club is coached by former Boca Juniors manager Miguel Ángel Russo and have big names in their squad like Brazilian star Talisca, Argentine duo Gonzalo Martínez and Ramiro Funes Mori, Uruguay international Jonathan Rodriguez, AFCON top scorer Vincent Aboubakar, as well as several well-known Saudi names as Sultan Al-Ghannam.
