Karim Fouad is an Egyptian left back who currently plays for Nogoom FC in the country’s second tier of football, whilst he also represents Egypt’s U23s. He is not a name that many Celtic fans have heard, nor has he been publicly linked with a move to Paradise. However, Nogoom’s President Mohamed El Tawila has reportedly claimed that the Hoops recently submitted a bid for the player, who has chosen to go to Al Ahly Cairo instead!
According to the Daily Record, Fouad, 21, felt that a move to Europe was too soon at this stage in his career. The Scottish newspaper also quoted Nogoom’s President as saying: “Celtic of Scotland made an offer to buy the player (Karim Fouad), but his preference was to move to Al Ahly. He also had an offer to go to Benfica on trial. The transfer is completed and he will join them (Al Ahly) after they play Kaizer Chiefs in the African Champions League Final later this month.”
The player’s agent, John Edward, also said: “Karim was on the radar of many European clubs, but he has made it clear he wants to sign for Al Ahly.”
Aside from Fouad, Celtic have been tracking Ko Itakura and Mario Vuskovic, whilst the signing of Osaze Urhoghide was complete yesterday. It appears, therefore, that the Hoops are searching far and wide to unearth top quality defenders at affordable prices.