Ex-Liverpool player Ovie Ejaria arrives in Egypt ahead of Zamalek trial

Former Liverpool & England U21 midfielder Ovie Ejaria arrived in Cairo this morning to undergo a trial with Zamalek in the coming days.

Ejaria’s trial came after a recommendation by Zamalek head coach Jose Gomes, who coached the midfielder during their time together at Reading.

During his trial, Ejaria will train in Mit Okba until the Egyptian Super Cup and if he performs well, he may earn himself a contract with Zamalek.

Speaking on the news, Zamalek’s official spokesperson Ahmed Salem said: “The file for negotiations with new players and reinforcements is ongoing, and it will remain open until the last moment.

“There are negotiations in more than one direction, and we still have time until the registration window closes.

“Nothing is official regarding new signings. Some have claimed that Zamalek have officially signed ex-Liverpool player Ovie Ejaria, but the truth is that the player has been offered to us, and the decision has not been finalized yet.”

Born to Nigerian parents, Ejaria can play as a left-winger or central midfielder, Ejaria started his career in the famous Arsenal academy

In 2014, Ejaria moved to Liverpool, where he made eight first-team appearances under Jurgen Klopp, including two in the Premier League, while also going out on loans at Sunderland, Rangers, and Reading.

After two loan spells at the Madejski Stadium, Ejaria signed for Reading permanently in August 2020 for €4m, making overall 127 appearances, mainly across the Championship, scoring nine goals, and assisting 13, before leaving for free last January.

His last competitive match came in August 2022, when Reading faced Watford in the Championship and since then, Ejaria has not played.

Ejaria also represented England at various youth levels and in 2017, he won the U-20 World Cup with England in South Korea, making three appearances during the competition.

This summer, Ejaria went on trial with Championship side Oxford United, but he failed to impress and ultimately the club decided not to sign the player.