CAIRO: Zamalek wrapped up their third close-season signing after landing Ghazl Mahalla left-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, the club said on Sunday.

Abdel-Shafi put pen-to-paper on a five-year deal, Zamalek spokesman Sabri Serag said.

Zamalek have been long-term admirers of the talented full back but failed in their attempts to sign him during the past few seasons.

Abdel-Shafi has been also a subject of interest from Zamalek s arch-rivals Ahly after putting in a string of impressive displays with Mahalla.

I ve very happy to have joined Zamalek, the 24-year-old told the club’s official website.

I finally fulfilled my aim of returning to the club where I enjoyed a fine spell as a youngster.

Abdel-Shafi came through Zamalek s youth ranks before joining Mahalla in 2006.

He is expected to vie with Sabri Rahil for a place in the White Knights starting line-up.

Abdel-Shafi is the third player to join Zamalek this summer following the arrival of free agent Amir Azmi and Telecom Egypt striker Ahmed Gaafar.