Seifeddine Jaziri set for surprise move to UAE newcomers Hatta after Zamalek exit

Seifeddine Jaziri is close to agreeing a move to Hatta, just hours after ending his spell with Egyptian club Zamalek by mutual consent.

The Tunisia striker’s next destination is expected to be confirmed soon, with Abu Dhabi Sports Channels reporting that Hatta are nearing an agreement to sign the 33-year-old.

Hatta were promoted recently to the UAE Pro League and had been close to concluding a deal for Cameroon forward Anatole Abang, who currently plays for Libyan club Al-Ittihad. However, the Emirati side have reportedly decided to abandon that pursuit and move forward with a deal for Jaziri instead.

The proposed transfer would give Jaziri a new opportunity outside Egypt after more than four years with Zamalek, where he enjoyed the most significant period of his career to date.

Zamalek announced on Monday that the club had reached an agreement with Jaziri to terminate his contract. The Egyptian side said all financial and contractual matters had been settled, despite the original deal having been due to run until the end of next season.

Jaziri’s departure brings an end to a spell that began in January 2021, when he joined one of Egypt’s most successful clubs. During his time at Zamalek, he won the Egyptian league title three times and established himself as the club’s all-time leading goalscorer among foreign players.

A move to Hatta would add another country and competition to a career that has already taken him across Tunisia, Egypt and, potentially, the United Arab Emirates. Before joining Zamalek, Jaziri represented Club Africain and US Ben Guerdane in Tunisia.

He also played in Egypt for Tanta and Al Mokawloon Al Arab, building a reputation as an experienced forward before securing his move to Zamalek.

Hatta are now understood to be the leading candidates to sign the Tunisia international, although the agreement has yet to be formally announced. The club’s interest follows the decision to focus on Jaziri rather than complete the proposed move for Abang.

For Jaziri, the transfer would mark a fresh start immediately after his exit from Zamalek. It would also place him in the UAE’s top division as Hatta prepare for life among the country’s leading clubs following their promotion.

The striker’s record at Zamalek means he leaves with a significant place in the club’s history. His three league titles and status as their leading foreign goalscorer represent the main achievements of a stay that began in 2021 and has now ended after the two parties completed their contractual settlement.