Ghaly moves to Feyenoord

By Amr Shaheen
BBC Sport, Cairo

Ghaly (in red) was with Al Ahly last season

Egyptian midfielder Hossam Ghaly has signed a four- year deal with Dutch club Feyenoord.

The deal, worth $1.5m, was finalised on Monday night in Cairo.

Ghaly is expected to join his new team mates in a fortnight, after he receives a work permit from the Dutch authorities.

Feyenoord chairman Jorien Van den Herik said they expect great things from their new signing, who was with Al Ahly last season.

"I believe he will be one of the best players in the Eredivisie," Van Den Herik told BBC Sport website.

The Feyenoord chairman said they decided to sign the 21 year-old after impressing the club's coaches during his trial period.

"He made a great impact. The fans, the management and the players at Feyenoord loved him."

I am full of passion, ambition and desire to succeed in my new career Hossam Ghaly

Ghaly said he is pleased with the deal and hopes to become a success in Dutch football.

"I am very happy that I will join a top flight club like Feyenoord. It has always been my dream."

Ghaly revealed that Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam and Hany Ramzy - his colleagues in the Egyptian national team - played a key role in his decision to move to Europe.

"They both convinced and encouraged me to take such a step.

"I am full of passion, ambition and desire to succeed in my new career," Ghaly said.

Named as Egypt's best youth player last year, Ghaly lost the chance to move to German club Borussia Dortmund, after Ahly turned down a $2.2 million offer.