Former Zamalek center-half Abdul-Monem was eager to move away from the Alexandria-based club, and he was relieved when Ittihad reached an agreement with Masri.

"I wanted to move to a Cairo-based club, but Ittihad insisted to find a replacement for me first," Abdul-Monem told FilGoal.com.

The defender was once close to joining Police Union, but his club eventually preferred to accept the Port-Said side's offer.

"Masri's offer is better, and it also fulfilled the replacement condition," he added.