Barrada eyes silverware after signing three-year deal at Al Nasr

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Thumbs up: Playmaker Abdelaziz Barrada.

    Star midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada has promised to sweep up silverware at Al Nasr now his move from Marseille has been officially confirmed.

    Barrada, 27, has inked a three-year contract at Al Maktoum Stadium after a reported €2 million (Dh8.1m) fee was agreed with the fallen French giants last week. This switch represents a return to the Arabian Gulf League, where he scored 10 goals in 22 appearances for Al Jazira during 2013/14.

    Speaking after being presented with the No10 jersey by his new employers, the Morocco international looked forward to a bright future with the 2016 AFC Champions League quarter-finalists.

    He said: “I am very happy to sign for Al Nasr. I hope to do as well as everyone expects me to.

    “I would like to thank the president of the club and the fans for their trust in me. I hope to win a lot of trophies for the team.”

    The confirmation brings an end to a disappointing two years on the south coast of France for the Provins-born playmaker. He scored just three goals in 45 games across all competitions after a €4.5m (Dh22.2m) fee was paid to the Pride of Abu Dhabi during August 2014.

    Marseille were eager to get him off their wage bill this summer as they attempt to rebuild following last term’s dreadful 13th-placed finish in Ligue 1. This ensured they were prepared to accept a low fee to facilitate the sale.

    Barrada returns to happy hunting grounds in the UAE. He provided value for money after €10m (Dh47.1m) was paid to La Liga’s Getafe in July 2013, making him one of the division’s most-expensive buys. As well as running rampant in the top flight as Jazira finished third, he scored four goals in eight 2014 AFC Champions League appearances as the club were knocked out in the round of 16 by rivals Al Ain.

    Such form saw him reluctantly granted a return to the country of his birth when Marseille stepped in for him.

    Nasr will hope his attacking senses have not been dulled, with a historic assault on Asia’s premier club competition still on-going. The club face a stern last-eight examination against deadly Qatar Stars League outfit El Jaish on August 24 and September 14, as they bid to extend their debut run in the knockout stages.

    Chile playmaker Luis Jimenez has been allowed to move to Qatar’s Al Arabi to make space in the four-player foreign quota for the signing.

    A new centre forward – who must be Asian qualified – is wanted to replace Brazil’s Nilmar. Sharjah’s Wanderley is the preferred target, with attempts to get him the requisite papers under way.

    During two campaigns in which the King have battled against relegation, the 27-year-old has scored an exceptional 32 times in 51 games.

    From last season’s squad, forward Jires Kembo Ekoko and winger Jonathan Pitroipa are expected to be retained.

    Recommended