Al Nasr board believe Fardan will stay

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  • Looking to stay: Habib Fardan has been linked with a number of AGL clubs this summer.

    Al Nasr are convinced that coveted UAE international Habib Fardan will start the Arabian Gulf League season with the Blue Wave, according to board member Fahad Hadi.

    Fardan, 23, was pictured modelling the club’s new kits on Tuesday as belief grows he will remain attached to the Al Maktoum Stadium outfit despite recently attracting several offers.

    Speculation about a Dh40 million move intensified at the start of the month when the midfielder was left out of Nasr’s pre-season tour to Germany, with Abu Dhabi heavyweights Al Jazira believed to be leading the pursuit ahead of treble-winners Al Ahli and AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Al Ain.

    The situation is also complicated by the fact that Fardan’s contract runs out next summer, meaning he could begin negotiations for an exit on a free-transfer as early as January. Reports of an imminent switch have quietened in recent weeks, however, with Hadi revealing the player’s contentment to stay with his current side for the upcoming campaign.

    “Fardan is more than happy to stay with Al Nasr and begin the season with us," said Hadi. "At the moment, there is no update on the situation.

    “Everything is looking positive that he will be staying with us. We do not know if it will be possible with his national team commitments, but if he can, Fardan could even join up at some stage with his Nasr team-mates for their tour to Italy, which they flew out for on Tuesday.”

    Jazira have held a long-term interest in Fardan, with bids being rejected this June and the previous summer.

    There is also less stringent competition for places in their midfield compared to AGL champions Ahli – who boast a packed squad – and Al Ain – whose new-look attack was in devastating form during Tuesday’s 2-0 quarter-final, first leg ACL victory against Al Ittihad.

    The imminent expiry of his Blue Wave deal adds pressure to the situation, but Hadi was relaxed when asked about the matter.

    “There are no negotiations at present [with Fardan] for a new contract, but I am sure they will begin in time,” he said.

    Fardan is Nasr’s only regular in the UAE national squad, where he is a trusted starter for coach Mahdi Ali. His ability was on show in the Whites’ previous friendly, a deft header the only goal in a tight victory against Georgia.

    The ex-Al Wasl man was one of the AGL’s stand-out performers last term, scoring nine goals in 25 appearances. His inspirational displays also helped the Blue Wave end their 12-year wait for silverware, with a 2-1 victory over Saham in the GCC Club Cup final.

    Nasr kick-off their top-flight campaign away to Bani Yas on Monday, September 15.

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