Percy Tau may need to lower his salary expectations if he hopes to secure a new club on the African continent.
After spending three-and-a-half years with Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Tau moved to Qatar SC in January. Now a free agent, the 31-year-old is reportedly seeking a substantial package to continue playing in the Middle East—around USD 1 million per year (approximately R17.7 million).
However, sources indicate that securing a deal on those terms will be difficult, especially for clubs on the continent.
There has been speculation around a possible return to Egypt, with Zamalek being mentioned as a potential destination. Yet Tau is not the club’s top priority and a move would only become realistic if Tunisian winger Ahmed Jafeli is loaned out.
If Jafeli departs, Zamalek would have three available foreign-player slots, with two reserved for wingers and one for a striker. The Moroccan defensive duo Bentayg Mahmoud and Moussadak Salah are staying put, while Tunisian defender Hamza Mathlouthi has already exited the club.
Jafeli and fellow Tunisian striker Seifeddine Jaziri are both linked with loan moves, but decisions are pending as Zamalek awaits the appointment of a new head coach. Interim boss Ayman El Ramadi is expected to leave after his short-term stint following Jose Peseiro’s departure.
Should Tau return to South Africa, he’ll have to accept a package worth roughly half of what he earned in Qatar.
With the AFCON finals fast approaching—scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco—it’s crucial that Tau finds a new club soon to ensure regular game time.
His representatives are currently weighing up all options, with a return to the Gulf region still seen as the most financially viable route.
