Influential centre midfielder Mbark Boussoufa’s successful association with Al Jazira has been ended by excessive financial demands and he will follow departed Dutch coach Henk ten Cate through the summer exit door, according to reports.
Boussoufa, 33, proved a key figure since being snapped up on a two-year contract in July 2016 after his deal at Russia’s Lokomotiv Moscow expired. The Morocco international helped earn 2016/17’s incredible Arabian Gulf League triumph and the 2018 run to the AFC Champions League’s round of 16, across more than 60 appearances for the Pride of Abu Dhabi.
But Moroccan newspaper HESPRESS has stated that a request for his basic wage to rise was met with rejection and he will be a free agent again after this summer’s World Cup.
This stance follows an interview in March during which the ex-Anderlecht, Anzhi Makhachkala and Gent star expressed a desire to return to Europe.
“I’m negotiating with several European clubs, which I will not reveal the names,” he told another publication from the nation he represents, Assabah.
“There is a very good chance that I will be in a European championship next season.”
A summer of change is expected at Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium after last term’s poor title defence.
A replacement for Ten Cate, arguably the club’s greatest coach, must be found after two-and-a-half years in charge detailed by off-field issues.
Only Brazilian forward Romarinho and Oman centre-back Mohammed Al Musalami are likely to be retained in their four-player foreign quota.
