Aston Villa entered into a three-way agreement in April, with one of the benefitting sides being ZED FC from Egypt
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery welcomed his counterpart from ZED FC, Magdy Abdelaty, to Bodymoor Heath during this international break as the Lions opened their doors to the newly formed partnership with the Egyptian club which was fused back in April.
Villa are in a three-way arrangement with ZED and Portuguese club Vitoria Sport Clube, which has been struck with the intention of benefitting all three parties. Indeed Villa
Speaking at the time of the triumvirate agreement, Villa owner Nassef Sawiris said: “I am very proud to be part of the announcement for the three-way collaboration between ZED’s Academy, Vitoria Sport Clube and Aston Villa. This three-way partnership should benefit all three parties and create a clear roadmap for talented young Egyptian players to integrate into the global sports system.”
Khedr is considered to be a coup for Villa, who have secured the player ahead of competition from elsewhere, and is a nod to their future plans as the partnership they’ve entered into with ZED bears fruit for the first time. Khedr is an Egyptian Under-17 international and will follow in the footsteps of his compatriot and Villa ambassador Ahmed Elmohamady.
The arrangement is visible again this international break, as Abdelaty paid a visit to Birmingham to meet with Emery, who is working with the remainder of the Villa squad who haven’t been called up to represent their countries, in this fortnight without domestic commitments.
Abdelaty was also in attendance on Sunday as Arsenal edged past Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium. ZED have taken seven points from their opening three games of their season.