Bafana Bafana Striker Fagrie Lakay Turns Down Swap Deal, Remains at Pyramids FC After Cleopatra Ceramica Refuses His Salary Demands

Fagrie Lakay, the Bafana Bafana striker who has been making waves, was recently seen in South Africa amidst ongoing transfer talks.

The buzz around Lakay intensified when he turned down a nearly finalized move from his current club, Pyramids FC, to Egyptian Premier League side Cleopatra Ceramica.

This decision comes as a surprise given Lakay’s impressive journey since his transfer from Cape Town City in 2022.

Impactful Performance at Pyramids FC

Lakay has become a key player for Pyramids FC, playing a vital role in their competitive season.

The team battled fiercely for the league title but fell short, finishing as runners-up with 79 points, behind Al Ahly who clinched the title with 85 points.

This marks Pyramids’ third consecutive season as league runners-up.

In addition to his league contributions, Lakay helped Pyramids FC secure their first major trophy by winning the Egypt Cup, defeating ZED FC in the final.

Why Did the Deal Fall Through?

The proposed swap deal between Pyramids FC and Cleopatra Ceramica involved a significant player exchange.

Sadi Awujoola was set to move to Pyramids, while Lakay, Mohamed Reda, Youssef Nabih, and Abdallah Magdy were to transfer to Ceramica on loan.

However, Lakay’s demand for his entire salary for the upcoming season, around R10.5 million, to be paid upfront was deemed excessive by Cleopatra Ceramica.

This disagreement caused the deal to fall apart, leaving Lakay’s future uncertain.

What’s Next for Lakay?

With the transfer agreement collapsing, it seems likely that Lakay will stay with Pyramids FC for now.

However, there’s still a chance he could be sold or loaned out if a suitable offer comes in.

South African Clubs’ Interest: Could Kaizer Chiefs Be a Contender?

Lakay’s name has previously been linked with Mamelodi Sundowns, although the move never materialized.

Now, with Kaizer Chiefs actively searching for a striker, they might consider Lakay before the transfer window closes on September 20.

Adding to the intrigue, Lakay was recently spotted in Cape Town on September 6th, which could signal potential negotiations or a move closer to home.