Cairo: Hani Kamal El-Din
Egyptian footballer Mohamed Arou, currently playing for Al-Wasl Club in the United Arab Emirates, is on the verge of joining one of the top-tier clubs in the Swiss Super League during the upcoming January transfer window. According to close sources, the Swiss club has renewed its interest in the attacking midfielder and is preparing to finalize the deal after a previous attempt fell through.
The 26-year-old Arou was initially set to complete a move to Switzerland during the summer transfer window. However, the transfer was halted due to an injury setback. Since then, the player has undergone a full recovery and completed an intensive rehabilitation program, regaining his fitness and match sharpness. With his return to form, the Swiss club reignited talks with the Egyptian playmaker, indicating a strong desire to bring him onboard as part of their mid-season reinforcements, particularly for the creative midfield role.
Speaking to the press, Arou confirmed the renewed communication with the Swiss club and revealed that their interest remains firm. “They’ve been in touch again, checking in on my condition and reiterating their commitment to signing me. It’s very encouraging to know that they still see me as part of their plans,” Arou stated.
Mohamed Arou has enjoyed a diverse and eventful career across several leagues. He began his professional journey at Ismaily SC before moving on to Al-Masry and Petrojet in the Egyptian Premier League. He later ventured abroad, joining Erbil SC in Iraq and then taking his talents to the UAE, where he has featured for clubs including Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, and most recently Al-Wasl. Arou has also represented Egypt at various youth levels and remains hopeful about future national team call-ups.
Commenting on his international prospects, Arou revealed that discussions with Egyptian football officials have been positive. “I was told that I’ve been on their radar for some time. Unfortunately, the injury came at the wrong moment and affected the chances of being called up. But they assured me that the door to the national team is always open for any player, whether based in Egypt or playing abroad, as long as they can contribute to the Pharaohs’ campaign in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.”
A potential move to Switzerland would see Arou follow in the footsteps of several notable Egyptian internationals who previously plied their trade in the Swiss league. Among them are legendary defender Hany Ramzy and the famous twins Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan, who played for Neuchâtel Xamax in the 1990s after their participation in the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Years later, celebrated goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary joined FC Sion following Egypt’s 2008 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
More recently, Egypt’s Premier League stars Mohamed Salah and Mohamed Elneny both launched their European careers with FC Basel, a club that also welcomed Omar Gaber in subsequent years. Arou’s anticipated move could thus mark the next chapter in a longstanding connection between Egyptian football and the Swiss league.
As the winter transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on the completion of this move, which could not only mark a significant step forward in Arou’s professional career but also potentially rekindle his journey with the national team.
