Hibs striker Abdessalam Benjelloun has tonight sealed a move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly for a fee of £420,000.
The 24-year-old Moroccan striker has signed a 3-year-deal with the current Egyptian champions and is pictured on the their official club website signing his contract, and shaking hands on the deal (see link).
http://tinyurl.com/kvdssyThis is despite the Hibees claiming late last night that the deal was not done.
German side VFL Bochum and Austrian's Red Bull Salzburg, both failed in 11th hour bids for the Moroccan international.
'Benji' only had 12 months left on his contract at Easter Road, and Hibs have allowed the troublesome striker to leave.
Benjelloun has spent the last 12 months out on loan at two different Belgian clubs, RSC Charleroi and Roeselare.
Hibs gaffer John Hughes was hopeful of keeping Benjelloun and helping him return to form he was in when he first arrived in Edinburgh, scoring 17 goals in 33 starts.
Hughes said:
"Eventually you have to say enough is enough and move on. No-one is bigger than the club, the club comes first and if it is not Benji it will be someone else."
Benjelloun seems delighted at the move, and speaking to an Arabic website, he said:
"I wanted to be of service to the club which welcomed me and opened my doors of professionalism (Hibs), especially as my contract with Hibs expires next year.
"Al-Ahly is a great club with international players and plays a leading role in African competitions. This will allow me to better myself and to experience new sensations."
Hibernian-Mad would like to take this opportunity to wish Benji all the very best at his new club. His contribution in helping to deliver the 2007 Scottish League Cup win will not be forgotten (Even if he does try to take all the credit for it!!).
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Thanks once again to the Hibernian Interactive team for the use of the photo.
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