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Adel Taarabt, Michael Ballack and four other European stars who could follow Asamoah Gyan to the Middle East
Big names such as Diego Maradona, Asamoah Gyan and David Trezeguet moved to the Middle East last year and with the transfer window open, who else could make the switch?
16 Jan 2012 10:52:00
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By Ben Somerford
The financial might of Middle East clubs has always been a draw for European players, particularly those heading towards the end of their careers, and the recent influx of big names into West Asian clubs hints there's no end in sight for the trend.
Asamoah Gyan divided opinions when he left Sunderland for UAE side Al-Ain in September at the ripe old age of 25. While others before him, such as Ze Roberto, David Trezeguet or Fabio Cannavaro, may have been heading into the twilight of their careers, Gyan's move demonstrated the temptation which the Middle East offers for all players.
So Goal.com has decided to take a look at six European stars who could follow Gyan and move to the Middle East.
The former Germany international's current club Bayer Leverkusen have already confirmed he'll be leaving them when his contract expires at the end of the season. The 35-year-old was linked with several Dubai clubs midway through 2010 before opting to depart Chelsea for Leverkusen, but there have been suggestions that interest from UAE could be revived by his current situation. Ballack has previously stated he doesn't want to retire when he leaves Leverkusen and recently admitted he "wants to do something different".
The enigmatic Senegalese attacker is currently with Championship relegation battlers Doncaster and agreed to an 18-month contract extension in December, but it remains to be seen what Diouf will do if Rovers go down to England's third tier. Back in November, the former Liverpool man said he didn't want to go to the Middle East just yet, believing he has a few more seasons at Championship level left in him. His reputation in England counted against him when chasing a contract at West Ham in October and that may cost him in the future, potentially tempting him to try his luck elsewhere.
The veteran French defender still has 18 months remaining on his current contract at White Hart Lane, but he recently admitted he'd be interested in moving to Qatar or the USA once his term expires. However, the 34-year-old is of the belief he can still perform in the Premier League for at least another season and may not be looking at a Middle East switch for some time yet. Gallas previously noted that he turned down a proposed move to PSG due to family commitments and similar reasons may keep him in London for now.
The Nigerian striker's future in Russia remains up in the air, with reports in November claiming he was eyeing an exit from Rubin Kazan. However, Martins has declared his determination to succeed in Russia and with 18 months remaining on his current deal, he has time to prove himself. Nonetheless, Al Shabab are said to be monitoring his status if he does opt for a change, although there remains interest from England where he famously scored the winning goal in the 2010-11 League Cup final while on loan at Birmingham City.
The former Italy international's agent confirmed last week that Miccoli has been the subject of interest from Qatari club Al Sadd. However, the striker who has been with Palermo since 2007, is believed to be concentrating on his current club and no official negotiations have taken place. Miccoli's form and record in recent Serie A seasons suggests he could offer a lot to Al Sadd, but convincing him to move to Doha is another story.
There had been British reports claiming Asian champions Al Sadd were keen on the mercurial Moroccan, who has failed to light up the Premier League like he did in the second tier as QPR won promotion last term. However, Al Sadd's interest in Taarabt appears to have dimmed given QPR's €18m valuation of him. Taarabt is now off at the Africa Cup of Nations, but new boss Mark Hughes will have to decide what to do with this reportedly complex character in the meantime.
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By Ben Somerford
The financial might of Middle East clubs has always been a draw for European players, particularly those heading towards the end of their careers, and the recent influx of big names into West Asian clubs hints there's no end in sight for the trend.
Asamoah Gyan divided opinions when he left Sunderland for UAE side Al-Ain in September at the ripe old age of 25. While others before him, such as Ze Roberto, David Trezeguet or Fabio Cannavaro, may have been heading into the twilight of their careers, Gyan's move demonstrated the temptation which the Middle East offers for all players.
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So Goal.com has decided to take a look at six European stars who could follow Gyan and move to the Middle East.
| MICHAEL BALLACK | Bayer Leverkusen, Midfielder, 35 |
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| EL-HADJI DIOUF | Doncaster Rovers, Striker/Winger, 31 |
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| WILLIAM GALLAS | Tottenham, Defender, 34 |
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| OBAFEMI MARTINS | Rubin Kazan, Striker, 27 |
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| FABRIZIO MICCOLI | Palermo, Striker, 32 |
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| ADEL TAARABT | QPR, Attacking Midfielder, 22 |
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Follow Ben Somerford on
Follow Goal.com Asia on
and for the latest in Asian footballing news, features, and analysis
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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