Barrada on verge of UAE return with Al Nasr

Matt Jones - Editor 09:51 29/06/2016
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  • Barrada previously played in the UAE with Al Jazira.

    The 27-year-old schemer impressed during a one-season spell in the UAE with Al Jazira in 2013/14, scoring an impressive 10 goals in 22 games for the Pride of Abu Dhabi.

    His form prompted the Ligue 1 side to part with 4.5m for him in the summer of 2014, but the ex-Getafe man failed to stamp his mark at the Stade Velodrome, making just 33 appearances and scoring two goals in two seasons.

    Barrada, capped 26 times by the Atlas Lions, was said to be in Rome undertaking a medical under the supervision of an Al Nasr doctor on Tuesday. He is expected to arrive in Dubai within the next two days to sign a three-year deal at Al Maktoum Stadium.

    The Blue Wave tweeted news of the deal, saying: “Al Nasr Football Club announces the agreement with the French club Marseille on the transition of the Moroccan international Abdelaziz Barrada to the ranks of the club with a contract running for three seasons.”

    Nasr’s media officer Mohamed Mubarak added: “It’s correct, although the deal is not complete. The final signature will be in about two or three days. He will come to Dubai in the next 48 hours.”

    The PSG academy graduate is an exciting addition to the Nasr ranks, with confirmation of the departures of South American duo Luis Jiminez and Nilmar expected soon.

    Wingers Jires Kembo Ekoko and Jonathan Pitroipa could be retained but the Blue Wave are in need of more of a cutting edge.

    Nilmar scored 11 goals in 26 top-flight games last season, with the team’s struggle to find the back of the net hampering hopes of mounting an AGL title assault, as they finished fourth.

    However, Ivan Jovanovic’s side are through to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. They face Qatar’s El Jaish in Doha on August 24 in the first leg of their last-eight tie.

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