Sparky’s Column

Moving On Up

With the transfer market still in full swing, Al Nasr are supposedly interested in West Bromich Albion's Peter Odemwingie. The Nigerian has been unsettled at WBA for half a season now. You may remember last transfer window he tried to force a move to QPR and even went as far as arriving at the London club's stadium on deadline day. He was sent away by the receptionist with his tail between his legs for the long drive home. It's good news for Al Nasr though because if he is keen to sign then he will no doubt arrive in his own transport with his pen ready to ink any contract.

Transfers of star players between  teams in the League is rare. It is normally players who are out of contract that make a switch. Al Ahli obviously have not read that script and sent shockwaves through UAE football by bidding over $10 million for Ciel and Walid Abbas from Al Shabab. I don't know why the press have not quoted the price in dirhams but either way it is a lot of money.  It also shows the complete rehabilitation of Ciel, who had been released from many a club plus he had spent time on loan at 6 teams before settling here. This will be the first cash transfer of his career aged 31.  The statement of intent from Al Ahli is immense; they want the League title and they are willing to pay for it. Coach Cosmin has the tools to mount the challenge to Al Ain's dominance and plenty of fans think this season will be the Red Knights' time to shine.

The Eid holidays are a time when masses of people in the UAE head off on vacation after Ramadan. The opposite is true for AGL clubs as they head off for pre-season camps. It normally features early in pre-season but this year it has moved later because of the Holy Month. Whilst most are enjoying a relaxing time, spare a thought for the footballers of the UAE who are running up a Swiss mountain or lifting weights in a windowless gym. Don't feel too sorry though; after all, they get to play football for a living...!