"The talks between both clubs didn't last for long, and Lierse agreed to loan me out for one year," he told FilGoal.com.

Masri were seeking to bolster their frontline after the departure of their last season's top scorer Mohamed Al-Gabbas, who joined Belgian second tier Lierse in June.

Al-Gabbas took advantage of the fact that his contract with the Port Said side was not registered at the Egyptian FA, a loophole that enabled him to leave the club for free.

Masri were about to file a complaint against the 21-year-old to the Egyptian FA, but they eventually reached a friendly agreement with Lierse to get $300,000 for their role in developing the player's skills.

Later on, the coastal side decided to approach Shokri after they built ties with Lierse owner Maged Sami while working out Al-Gabbas' controversial switch.

Shokri spent the second half of last season at Belgian third division outfit Turnhout on a loan basis.

He played for Egyptian teams Arab Contractors, Olympic and Ismaili before moving to Belgium.

Shokri’s highlights