DUBAI // Habib Fardan says more Emiratis must seek to continue their careers outside the UAE in order to help the development of football within the country.
The Al Ahli midfielder, 24, was reacting to news this weekend that Omar Abdulrahman, his compatriot and close friend, signed a three-year contract extension with Al Ain, keeping him at the Garden City club until 2018, at least.
In agreeing to the deal, Abdulrahman appears for the moment to have closed the door on a high-profile transfer to Europe. He was tipped to make a move this summer to a prominent European league, having starred with the UAE at last month’s Asian Cup.
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Abdulrahman has previously been linked with several high-profile clubs in Europe, including Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Valencia and Hamburg.
No Emirati has represented a top-ranked club in Europe on a full-time basis – in 2012, Hamdan Al Kamali spent six months on loan at French side Lyon – but, with the recent success of the national team, it seems like an opportune time for a UAE player to break the mould.
Following the Asian Cup, Ali Mabkhout, who finished as the top scorer in Australia with five goals as the UAE secured third place, said he would welcome a switch to Europe. He said a German club had already been in contact with him.
Fardan said Mabkhout and Abdulrahman have the ability to prosper away from the Arabian Gulf League, and that such a transfer would be integral to the evolution of Emirati football.
“I think if one player goes there and everybody sees the talents of Emirati players, more will go in the future,” Fardan said on Monday, speaking at an event for sponsors Adidas.
“But the first step is the hardest. For example, if Omar or Ali goes to Europe, it will be great for not only us, but for the next generation, so they can start, too.
“We have a lot of players in the squad approaching 25 or 26, so it’s good for the next generation. It’s important for them and the future of the UAE.”
Fardan said he was not surprised that Abdulrahman, 23, renewed his contract with Al Ain, but he still expects his national-team colleague to eventually test himself outside the country.
“I think Omar can play in Europe or anywhere else,” Fardan said. “With his skills and his ability on the pitch, he can play in any league.
“I can’t predict what he’s going to do, but I’m happy he’s signed a good contract with Al Ain. I believe he can play in Europe and I think he will, even in five years’ time.
“I hope for all the best for him because he’s like my brother – more than my brother.”
Abdulrahman’s new deal is believed to be worth around Dh14 million per year, reportedly making him the best-paid Arab player in the region. This, coupled with his familiarity with the AGL, has been cited as a major reason in his decision to remain at Al Ain.
Fardan, though, said several factors contribute to a player’s chances of securing a move abroad. He has had offers in the past, chiefly from clubs based in Belgium and the Netherlands, yet at the time was contracted to Al Nasr, his previous employer.
“It depends on the clubs, but not only them,” said Fardan, who turns 25 next month. “Many things: the clubs, the players, the other clubs and the contracts. Lots of things decide it.
“I think one day I’m going to play in Europe. It’s my dream. I know 24 or 25 is seen as late, but I still have hope.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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