Why Doesn’t CF Montréal Want to Let Opoku Go to Zamalek SC? | OneFootball

Zamalek SC, one of Egypt’s biggest teams, has its eyes on 23-year-old forward Mahala Opoku, currently donning the CF Montréal jersey. What should’ve been a straightforward deal has turned into one heck of a mess. And trust me, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes in this saga.

Zamalek pitched a loan deal with an option to buy, basically, they’d take Opoku for a test drive and, if impressed, make the purchase permanent. Sounds fair, right? Well, CF Montréal didn’t even blink before saying “nope.” They shot it down, leaving everyone scratching their heads. What’s the deal here? Are they afraid of losing him for cheap? Don’t trust Zamalek to follow through? Or is there more to this tangled web?

CF Montréal knows exactly what they’ve got with Mahala Opoku. The guy isn’t just another name on the roster, he’s young, he’s got that killer instinct in front of goal, and it’s clear he’s caught the attention of clubs outside Canada. For Zamalek, Opoku could be a major upgrade; they’re always looking to grow their presence in African and global soccer. But for Montréal, letting him go on a loan deal might feel like an unnecessary gamble.

This isn’t as simple as it looks. For one, the refusal could be Montréal’s way of saying loud and clear: they want cash, not IOUs or “maybe later” promises. They probably think Opoku’s worth way more than a “try-before-you-buy” kind of deal.

But there’s another layer here. It might be that CF Montréal doesn’t trust Zamalek’s business model. There’s a history of some African clubs struggling to honor payments in similar deals. Now, I’m not saying Zamalek’s in that category, but let’s face it, teams like CF Montréal are cautious when dealing with markets that can be unpredictable.

Opoku might also be a key part of Montréal’s bigger plan. Maybe he’s vital to their season, or maybe the coach sees something in him that we mere mortals just can’t.

For Zamalek, though, snagging Opoku would be a masterstroke. They’re always on the hunt for players who can level up their squad, and Opoku, with his speed, versatility, and knack for turning tight games, fits that bill perfectly. Honestly, who wouldn’t want a guy like that in their lineup?

But here’s the thing, if Zamalek keeps pushing for this loan deal, we could be looking at a long, drawn-out soap opera with no happy ending. Montréal’s already made it clear they’re not interested in the loan route, so Zamalek’s only real option is to pony up the cash. And let’s be honest, do they even have the financial muscle for that? Historically, African clubs don’t play in the same financial league as European teams or even mid-tier MLS squads. Zamalek may be a giant in Africa, but their budget isn’t anywhere close to what clubs in North America or Europe can throw around.

This whole standoff highlights just how much the transfer market has evolved. Gone are the days when clubs would toss millions around like confetti. Now, teams like CF Montréal get the bigger picture, they see the strategic value of holding onto their players. It’s not just about what happens on the field anymore.

At the same time, you can’t blame Zamalek for trying to keep things low-risk. They’re a storied club, sure, but they’ve gotta play it smart financially. A loan with an option to buy makes sense for them, especially since Opoku’s still developing.

For Opoku, though, this decision could be a game-changer for his career. Joining Zamalek might give him the spotlight in African soccer and could even pave the way to Europe. But staying in Montréal isn’t a bad deal either, there’s plenty of room to grow and make a name for himself there.