Fathi, who plays in all parts of midfield as well as the defense, was earlier linked with a move to either Ahli or Zamalek.

Ismaili didn't disclose any financial details but a well-informed club source told FilGoal.com that the contract is worth EGP 800 thousand per season.

Fathi played a major part in Ismaili's Egyptian league winning team in 2002, before winning the African Cup of Nations with the Egyptian youth team in 2003.

He also played a pivotal role in Egypt's victorious campaign towards the African title in January.