"We've invoked a buy-out clause to sign Kone," Zamalek marketing director Ashraf Sobhi told FilGoal.com.

"We previously reached an agreement with Production to pay $500,000 on three installments.

"However, (fellow Egyptian Premier League side) Gaish were also interested in signing Kone so we had no option but to pay the full amount immediately to acquire the services of the player."

Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan has been complaining from shortage of options upfront as his side finished runners-up to arch-rivals Ahli in the league last season.

He relied on Ahmed Gaafar as a lone striker but the towering frontman hardly repaid his faith.

He was Zamalek's top scorer with nine goals but was criticized for wasting numerous goalscoring opportunities as well as failing to make the most of his physical attributes.

Kone put in some fine displays with Production, who finished seventh in their first season in the top flight.

The 28-year-old notched four goals despite being hit with a string of niggling injuries.

Kone is Zamalek's third close-season signing after Masri midfielder Ashour Al-Adham and Ittihad right wing-back Mohamed Abdullah.