Liverpool academy graduate looks to revive career with Sergio Ramos

A club in Mohamed Salah's homeland is closing in on two very different signings, both with strong links to Liverpool's successful period under Jurgen Klopp.

Zamalek Sporting Club finished third in the Egyptian Premier League last season, despite being docked three points, and are managed by former Reading boss Jose Gomes.

During his ten-month tenure at the Madejski Stadium from December 2018 to October 2019, Gomes coached Liverpool Academy graduate Ovie Ejaria, who joined the Royals on loan in the January transfer window.

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The England Under-21 midfielder also had temporary stints with Sunderland and Rangers before eventually leaving Merseyside for Reading on a permanent basis in August 2020.

Now it seems Gomes and Ejaria could be reunited in Egypt, while Zamalek also look to sign a Real Madrid legend who played a major role in shattering Liverpool's hopes of winning the Champions League in 2018 - a year earlier than they eventually did under Klopp.

EGYPTIAN TRIAL FOR EJARIA

Born in Southwark, London, to Nigerian parents, Ejaria made the first of his eight senior Liverpool appearances in September 2016 as the Reds beat Derby County in the Carabao Cup. He was later heralded by Klopp as a role model for younger Academy players.

"I told the boys that last year, Ovie Ejaria came onto my plate," the German told Liverpool's official website in 2017.

"I saw him playing a few times, but having him around [the first team] for four days and seeing him in small spaces in the training sessions against the ‘adults’ was very important for him and for me."

Ejaria played 127 times for Reading but after being hampered by injuries, his contract was terminated by mutual consent in December 2023.

Currently without a club, the 26-year-old could resurrect his career in Egypt.

"Some have claimed that we have officially signed ex-Liverpool player Ovie Ejaria," said Zamalek spokesman Ahmed Salem, "but the truth is that the player has been offered to us, and the decision has not been finalised yet.

"Nothing is official regarding new signings. There are negotiations in more than one direction, and we still have time until the registration window closes."

RAMOS RETURNS TO THE STAGE

Those negotiations include talks over personal terms with former Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, whose infamous, unpunished challenge caused Salah to be substituted in Liverpool's 2018 Champions League final defeat.

Now 38, the man who will forever be regarded as a villain by the Anfield faithful is a free agent after leaving Sevilla in the summer and it will be an intriguing link-up if he becomes a team-mate of Ejaria.

"There's nothing concrete so far, and the player is highly valued financially," said Hani Shoukry, another Zamalek executive.

"We also have to bear in mind that we have also signed other centre-backs recently. [But] it would be a massive boost for Egyptian football, [and] more prestige for Zamalek and the league."