Wigan are not a club with a huge amount of money. While chairman Dave Whelan has invested considerable sums at the JJB Stadium, helping them to reach and stay in the Premier League, they can’t compete with the big boys when it comes to hefty salaries or big money signings. This goes some way to explaining why Athletic were reluctant to stump up the cash for a player now taking the Premier League by storm.
The Daily Mirror reports that Steve Bruce is regretting not splashing out the £7million that would have made Amr Zaki’s move from Zamalek to Wigan permanent. The former Birmingham gaffer had a chance to have the striker for keeps, yet instead opted for a season-long loan which now means that the club are unlikely to land him on a long-term contract. Let the bidding commence!
“I told Zamalek that if they wanted big money, he had to come and play in the Premier League. The price was too high and that was why we went down the route we did.
“I was quoted a fee I wasn’t prepared to pay. It’s always a risk for a club like ours.
“Zamalek agreed to the deal and he’s done well. The better he does the bigger the fee.”
There was no escape clause in the January transfer window, said Bruce, who added: “He’ll be with us for the whole of the season.”
Zamalek have already confirmed that they will enter into discussions with Manchester City regarding their player, while Liverpool manager has also hinted that he’s interested in the prolific Egyptian who has settled very well to life in England. But where will the striker be playing his football next season?
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