SPECIAL
By Ben Somerford
The financial might of Middle East clubs has always been a draw for European players, particularly those heading towards the end of their careers, and the recent influx of big names into West Asian clubs hints there's no end in sight of the trend.
Asamoah Gyan divided opinions when he left Sunderland for UAE side Al Ain in September at the ripe old age of 25. While others before him may have been heading into the twilight of their careers, such as Ze Roberto, David Trezeguet or Fabio Cannavaro, Gyan's move demonstrated the temptation which the Middle East offers for all players.
So Goal.com has decided to take a look at six European stars who could follow Gyan and move to the Middle East.
MICHAEL BALLACK | Bayer Leverkusen, Midfielder, 35
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
20
|
Goals
|
3
|
Assists
|
3
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€3-4m |
Interested clubs
|
Al Ahli Dubai
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The former Germany international's current club Bayer Leverkusen have already confirmed he'll be leaving them at the season's end when his contract expires. The 35-year-old was linked with several Dubai clubs midway through 2010 before opting to depart Chelsea for Leverkusen but there have been suggestions interest from UAE could be revived by his current situation. Ballack has previously stated he doesn't want to retire when he leaves Leverkusen and recently admitted he "wants to do something different".
EL-HADJI DIOUF | Doncaster Rovers, Striker/Winger, 31
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
8
|
Goals
|
2
|
Assists
|
1
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€1.5m |
Interested clubs
|
Unknown
|
|
The enigmatic Senegalese attacker is currently with Championship relegation battlers Doncaster and agreed to an 18-month extension in December. It remains to be seen what Diouf will do if Rovers go down to England's third tier but he said in November he didn't want to go to the Middle East just yet as he believes he has a few more seasons at Championship level left in him. His reputation in England counted against him when chasing a contract at West Ham in October and that may cost him in the future, potentially tempting him to try his luck elsewhere.
WILLIAM GALLAS | Tottenham, Defender, 34
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
9
|
Goals
|
0
|
Assists
|
0
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€3m |
Interested clubs
|
Unknown
|
|
The veteran French defender still has 18 months remaining on his current contract at White Hart Lane but recently admitted he'd be interested in moving to Qatar or the USA once his term expires. However, the 34-year-old is of the belief he can still perform for another season in the Premier League and may not be looking at a Middle East switch for some time yet. Gallas previously noted that he turned down a proposed move to PSG due to family commitments and similar reasons may keep him in London for now.
OBAFEMI MARTINS | Rubin Kazan, Striker, 27
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
9
|
Goals
|
2
|
Assists
|
0
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€8m |
Interested clubs
|
Al Shabab
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|
The Nigerian striker's future in Russia remains up in the air, with reports in November claiming he was eyeing an exit from Rubin Kazan. However, Martins recently said he was determined to succeed in Russia and with 18 months remaining on his contract he has time to prove himself. Nonetheless, Al Shabab are said to be monitoring his status if he does opt for a change, although there remains interest from England where he famously scored the winning goal in the 2010-11 League Cup final while on loan at Birmingham City.
FABRIZIO MICCOLI | Palermo, Striker, 32
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
13
|
Goals
|
5
|
Assists
|
3
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€4m |
Interested clubs
|
Al Sadd
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|
The former Italy international's agent confirmed last week that Miccoli has been the subject of interest from Qatari club Al Sadd. However the striker, who has been with Palermo since 2007, is believed to be concentrating on his current club and no official negotiations have taken place. Miccoli's form and record in recent seasons in Serie A suggest he could offer a lot to Al Sadd, but convincing him to move to Doha is another story.
ADEL TAARABT | QPR, Attacking Midfielder, 22
|
|
| 2011-12 SEASON STATS |
Appearances
|
16
|
Goals
|
0
|
Assists
|
0
|
| TRANSFER FILE |
Transfer value
|
€15-18m |
Interested clubs
|
Al Sadd
|
|
There had been British reports claiming Asian champions Al Sadd were keen on the mercurial Moroccan, who has failed to light up the Premier League like he did in the second tier as QPR won promotion last term. However, Al Sadd's interest in Taarabt appears to have dimmed given QPR's €18m valuation of him. Taarabt is now off at the Africa Cup of Nations but new boss Mark Hughes will have to decide what to do with this reportedly complex character in the meantime.
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