Algerians in Europe 2007-2008

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December 30, 2007 -- According to an opinion poll, involving a host of Arab coaches and other football specialists, conducted by the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram, the Algerian striker of the French League 1 side Lorient Rafik Saifi has been named as best Arab player of the year.

For his part, Algerian veteran coach Rabah Saadane has been nominated as best Arab coach of the year for his great performance with the squad of ES Setif, who clinched, with flying colours, the Arab cup trophy earlier this year in a memorable final versus Al Fayçali of Jordan.

Moreover, the Iraqi national football line-up has been given the accolade of best Arab squad of 2007 whereas the Algerian striker of ES Setif Hadj Aissa has also been acclaimed by being selected among the best Arab team players of the year.

Rafik Saifi of Lorient named best Arab player of the year

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England

.....Although Hameur Bouazza was shown the red card for a second bookable offence late in the game, his Fulham side managed to hold Birmingham City 1-1.

It was the first red card for the Algerian in the Premier League.

Fulham are second from bottom.

Greece

Algeria striker Rafik Djebbour was sent off in the 70th minute as his side Panionios lost 3-1 at home against OFI Crete.

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Ziani: I want to stay

Ziani préfère l’Espagne au PSG

Mercredi 2 Janvier 2008 -- « Le transfert de Karim Ziani de l’OM vers le PSG n’est pas pour demain», selon le père du jeune joueur. Ce dernier a précisé que les dirigeants de l’Olympique de Marseille refusent de libérer Ziani durant le Mercato d’Hiver.

Rabah Ziani a déclaré hier matin « nous avons su que les dirigeants de Marseille ont refusé de prêter Karim au PSG jusqu’à la fin de la saison. Pour notre part aucun dirigeant du club de la capitale ne nous a contacté. Tout ce qu’il y a c’est que les dirigeants des deux parties ont abordé l’idée ».

Il a indiqué « jusqu’à présent Karim est à Marseille, étant donné qu’il revient de blessure, il est très difficile de parler d’un transfert ».

Concernant l’offre espagnole de Séville, le père de Ziani a précisé « vous savez très bien que FC Séville voulait Karim l’été dernier, ils ont réitéré leur offre. Honnêtement il préfère partir en Espagne plutôt qu’à Paris ».

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January 4, 2008 -- Lyon left-back Nadir Belhadj is on the verge of joining Ligue 1 rivals Lens.

Les Gones coach Alain Perrin revealed on Friday that the transfer of the Algerian to the northerners was "imminent".

But Perrin did not reveal the fee or length of contract involved.

"I don't want him to leave," said the former Sochaux coach.

"He should join Lens. The transfer is imminent and if this is the case, Nadir will not be part of the squad for the match against Creteil (in the Coupe de France on Sunday).

"After that, we will see about replacing him."

Belhadj, who started his career at Lens, moved to the Stade Gerland from Sedan last summer.

He has only made three appearances for Lyon in Ligue 1 this season.

If the move is completed, it will be Lens' second foray into the transfer market this month, following the purchase of Toifilou Maoulida from Auxerre.

Belhadj nears Lens switch

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Early action in transfer window: Disruption in Ligue 1

With Nigerian Taye Taiwo ready to serve his country in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Marseille have reacted by drafting in Boca Juniors' 28-year-old defender Juan Angel Krupoviesa. enowned as a great competitor, the left wingback was on the verge of the Argentina national team before suffering a knee injury in November 2006.

Fit again, he has lost none of his ambition and is bent on helping OM recover from a substandard start to the season. "It's a big club and I want to do my bit to help them get back where they belong in the upper reaches of the table and in doing so, maybe get back in the national team frame," he announced.

Alongside him at OM will be a couple of other fresh faces; the Ivorian striker Kanga Akale, on loan from Lens, and Burkina Faso defensive midfielder Charles Kabore, picked up from second division side Libourne Saint-Seurin. Heading the other way through the revolving door, meanwhile, is the Algerian attacking midfielder Salim Arrache, who is being loaned to Toulouse.....

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January 5, 2008 -- Sedan striker Mansour Boutabout has joined Sheffield Wednesday on trial, L’Equipe has revealed.

The Algeria international is a very good Ligue 2 player who has been approached by top flight clubs in the last few seasons, and it appears his future is far away from Les Ardennes.

The 29-year-old is currently in England, negotiating a move to The Owls. The attacker joining The Championship side would be a boost for their campaign this season.

Boutabout scored has three goals in 15 appearances this term and his contract with Les Sangliers is due to expire next summer.

Algerian joins Owls on trial

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Belhadj nears Lens switch

Nadir Belhadj transféré à Lens selon Perrin