From struggling at Sheffield United to being cast in the lead role of a drama gripping Africa's most successful footballing nation

Fathy, the winner of nine league titles with Cairo giants Al Ahly, has stunned the footballing world in his homeland by agreeing to join Pyramids FC. The team from Asyut - an ancient city around a four-and-a-half hour drive south of the capital - are viewed as the most serious challengers to the decades-long hegemony enjoyed by Fathy’s former employers and their neighbours Zamalek. No club, other than these two fierce rivals, has lifted the EPL title since 2002.

If Pyramids get their way, all that is about to change. The upstarts, previously known as Al Assiouty Sport, first began making waves when they were bought and then rebranded by a Saudi Arabian billionaire. Turki Al Sheikh, who now owns Spanish side Almeria, embarked upon a lavish spending spree to lift his new acquisition out of mid-table obscurity before selling his stake to an Emirati businessman called Salem Al Shamsi.

Fathy, aged 35, is the latest in a series of big money signings unveiled by Pyramids since being purchased by Al Sheikh two years ago. Although capturing the likes of Ali Gabr, previously of West Bromwich Albion, Omar Khribin and Brazilian winger Keno represented statements of intent, Fathy’s decision to join Ante Cacic’s side is viewed as their most ambitious gesture yet. Particularly, as reports in the region have suggested, Pyramids are paying handsomely for the privilege.

Fathy, speaking to the Emarat Al Youm newspaper, Fathy denied finance was a motivation.

“If it was because of financial reasons, I would have accepted a lot of other offers I received that are different than those mentioned in the media,” he said. “The real reason for not renewing the contract is my desire to be constantly playing, which is not guaranteed at Al Ahly. I met with the technical staff more than once and (manager) Rene Weiler told me that I am not able to play 90 minutes anymore, which made me think about leaving.

“If my reasons were all financial, I would have agreed on Zamalek’s offer two years ago which was much better than Al Ahly’s or Pyramids’ offer, but I refused because I love and respect Al Ahly and its fans.”

News of Fathy’s move to United generated curiosity rather than excitement when it was announced in January 2007. A well-known name in Egyptian footballing circles after winning the first of 134 international caps as a youngster with Ismaily, the midfielder made his debut as a substitute towards the end of a victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

It should have been the start of a successful career in England. But Fathy, a shy and humble character despite his huge profile in Africa, failed to convince manager Neil Warnock that he could command a regular starting role. Less than a year later, with Bryan Robson now in charge and United having been relegated to the Championship, he was sold to Al Ahly.

Fathy has collected 20 major honours since turning professional. They include three African Cup of Nations titles, three CAF Champions League winners medals and nine Egyptian crowns with the Nadi El Qarn (Club of the Century) as Al Ahly like to be known. Fathy has also travelled to the World Cup, representing his country at the 2018 tournament in Russia, which makes the fact he failed to impress at either United or Hull City - having joined them on loan seven years ago - something of footballing conundrum.

“The chance of playing in England doesn’t happen every day,” he said, before making the first of seven league outings. “On a personal level, I hope to experience overseas football again.”

Soon after landing at the KC Stadium, however, Fathy found himself back in a familiar position.

“I train very hard, I play for the reserves, but I stay on the bench,” he told reporters at the time. “I don’t know why. My manager in Egypt told me ‘please don’t go, the league will start again here and we need you.’ However I made my choice and I came here. But that’s football for you.

“I will keep working hard and doing what I do. Then, we will see where it takes me. We will see what happens.”

Unfortunately for him, until he packed his bags, nothing did.

The switch to Pyramids represents an opportunity for Fathy to bow out on a high. Recruited to play as a full-back, he joins a squad which reached the semi-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup after losing September’s Egyptian Cup final.

Despite his sometimes volatile nature - twice threatening to sell his shareholding - Al Shamsi’s ambitions are seemingly without bounds. Having previously stated that he is “concentrating all” of his work on Pyramids FC - “Which is going to leave its mark on Egyptian, Arab and world football - Al Shamsi has also established a television channel with broadcasts footage from England and Spain as well as his prized asset’s matches. Anchored by Mido, John Terry, Ronaldinho and Robbie Keane have all performed punditry duties.

“The Pyramids effect has been great,” Mahmoud Al-Assiouty, one of their former owners, said. “It has stirred the stagnant waters of Egyptian football.”

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