Nashat Akram and Yasser Al-Qahtani on Man City trial

[Soorakhian]

Nashat Akram and Al-Qahtani are currently on trial with Manchester city. Apparently, Manchester City had approached Akram's club to get him for some time to see what he is made of. Qahtani had been there earlier.

Should we see this as good for Asian football (and us), or is it just a sign that we are being caught up, and passed, by our neighbours and fellow Asian competitiors? Positive or negative?

Source:http://www.aftonbladet.se/sportblade...icle1527271.ab

You may begin the discussion.

[Sumerian]

How is Iran getting caught up, let alone passed up? Iran has loads of players in Europe; the number of Iraqi or Saudi players doesn't even come close.

Anyway, I hope Nashat makes it into Sven's squad. Yasser Al-Qahtani can go to hell.

MANCHESTER CITY are giving Nashat Akram a 10-day trial.

City boss Sven Goran Eriksson will run the rule over the Iraqi midfielder, who plays for United Arab Emirates side Al Ain, in the new year.

Akram, 23, was linked with Sunderland earlier this season, and will hope to be more successful at Eastlands than Saudi Arabia’s Yas-ser Al Qahtani, who failed to impress Eriksson.

A source said: “Akram will be heading to England in the upcoming days.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...icle430994.ece

[Soorakhian]

How is Iran getting caught up, let alone passed up? Iran has loads of players in Europe; the number of Iraqi or Saudi players doesn't even come close.

Anyway, I hope Nashat makes it into Sven's squad. Yasser Al-Qahtani can go to hell.

One player in Man city is, in my eyes, better than 5-10 fringe players in crappy clubs around Europe (given that Akram actually gets to play regularly). The only Iranian prospect that we have in Europe is Dejagah, and he is not even Iranian! Sad but true.

Quality beats Quantity.

[Sumerian]

One player in Man city is, in my eyes, better than 5-10 fringe players in crappy clubs around Europe (given that Akram actually gets to play regularly). The only Iranian prospect that we have in Europe is Dejagah, and he is not even Iranian! Sad but true.
Quality beats Quantity.

I see what you mean. But honestly, how many Asians are there who play top-flight European football every week?

[Soorakhian]

I see what you mean. But honestly, how many Asians are there who play top-flight European football every week?

Not many. However, that does not mean that it will stay that way. And if it doesn't I want Iran to be the main exporter !

[Sumerian]

According to this Norwegian article, Manchester City's assistant coach discussed Nashat Akram with Egil Olsen and he convinced them to give Nashat a trial: http://www.dagbladet.no/sport/2007/12/27/522281.html

I was suspecting the Nashat news was just another rumour, but this confirms it's true.

[Hossein_Mashti]

nashat akram.... hum mm

[Iscariot]

Akram is a bit too slow IMO

[yashar_fasihnia]

good luck to nashat akram!
i really rate him high in asia, thanx to his physique, i think he even has the edge over our own navidkia!

i think he is better than younes mahmoud!

[chuck bass]

GL to Akram

but not "Qahtani the sniper", i don't like him

[Iscariot]

good luck to nashat akram!
i really rate him high in asia, thanx to his physique, i think he even has the edge over our own navidkia!

i think he is better than younes mahmoud!

He reminds me of attacking version of Minavand, that is befor he became Iranian Idol

[Sumerian]

http://www.mcfc.co.uk/default.sps?pa...=1&toyear=2008



It's official! I really hope the transfer goes through and no last minute complications arise.

[50Toman]

He deserves it, but i dont think he'll make it on the regular roster.

[yashar_fasihnia]

good job akram, he deserves it!

[Soorakhian]

Breaking news regarding Al-Qahtanis trial:

It has before been claimed by Al Qahtani and his agent that City wanted him but that he wanted to stay faithful to his club until the end of the season. However, it has been announced that Qahtani did not impress at all. He only did ONE training with City until he was tackled by the defender Dunne. It is even said that they had to carry him off the field while he was CRYING. I am not sure about the last part, but the rest is true.