Percy Tau’s potential move to Egyptian club Zamalek hinges on a couple of key factors, African Times reports.
The Witbank-born forward is a free agent after leaving Qatar SC, which opens many doors for him because he would sign on a free transfer.
Recently, he allayed fears that his personal terms could be a hindrance.
Despite his assurances, Zamalek have raised concerns over financial terms, albeit internally and not in the public domain.
It’s believed that the “White Knights” are keen to sign the 31-year-old Bafana Bafana forward but are not prepared to break the bank for him.
When Tau played in Egypt for Zamalek nemesis, Al Ahly, he was reportedly earning R1.9 million a month, which equated to R23 million annually.
On this specific issue, Tau shared his thoughts on why this should not be a stumbling block for any club interested in him.
“I am very reasonable when it comes to contract dealings … I am not going to ask for something I know a club is not going to offer me,” he said, in conversation with broadcaster Robert Marawa, last month.
Marawa, hypothetically, asked Tau if Kaizer Chiefs offered him R450 000 monthly on a two-year contract, would he take it? Tau responded, “Perfect.”
Secondly, reports claim Zamalek feels Tau’s standard has dropped since he left Al Ahly in January for Asia, but insiders at the club have hinted there’s still an outside chance for Tau’s return to the North African country.
“Percy Tau is among the candidates, but there has been no official step yet, as rumoured. Matters hinge on comparing a number of names and reaching an initial agreement with his agent regarding the financial terms,” says a source close to the Egyptian club.
Tau has nothing to prove, however. He won 12 trophies with Al Ahly over a four-year period, playing 126 games, scoring 30 goals and 14 assists from 2021 to 2025.
As things stand, should Zamalek come calling, Tau will answer the call, with the national team, Bafana Bafana, in mind.
Tau has to get back to his best form sooner rather than later, with the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to continue in September and the Africa Cup of Nations starting in December.
