Benfica are awaiting reports on Mohamed Hamad’s trial before deciding whether to sign the 18-year-old Zamalek midfielder.
Zamalek youngster Mohamed Hamad returned to Cairo on Thursday, September 10, after completing his assessment with the Portuguese club. He has since joined Egypt’s under-20 training camp and resumed training.
Benfica will review reports on his performances during the trial before making a final decision on a potential move.
The midfielder travelled to Portugal on September 3 for a week with Benfica after receiving Zamalek’s permission. He had recently extended his contract with the Egyptian club until 2029.
Zamalek previously explained that they approved the trip following Benfica’s insistence on assessing the player.
In a statement, the club said they would “support opportunities for their academy players to develop abroad.” They also rejected suggestions that allowing Hamad to attend the trial amounted to “giving up their young talent.”
Zamalek described the visit as “a chance to experience a different football environment,” adding that a successful trial would “benefit both the player and the club.”
Hamad has earned praise from Zamalek’s head of football, Hazem Emam, who compared his playing style to Abdallah El-Said’s.
Speaking on the Zamalkawy programme, Emam said the youngster could play in central midfield or on the wing, and highlighted Hamad’s technical ability, goalscoring, and strength in the air.
Hamad featured in Zamalek’s opening Egyptian Premier League match this season, replacing Ahmed Sherif in the 79th minute of a goalless draw with Ittihad Alexandria.
He has also represented Egypt at youth level, including appearances at the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations and the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar.