Al Qahtani 'turns down' move

Asian Player of the Year Yasser Al Qahtani claims he has turned down an offer to join Manchester City.

The Saudi Arabia striker, 25, had been on trial with Sven-Goran Eriksson's side but said in an official press conference on Saturday that he has decided to stay in his home country with Al Hilal.

"I had a successful trial with Manchester City and I was given great praise from everyone there including coach Sven-Goran Eriksson," said Al Qahtani.

"We had reached an agreement but there were some issues in the contract that were not resolved.

"However, the reason I rejected the offer was not due to financial reasons but because I feel Al Hilal need me too much this season."

Al Qahtani stressed he still has ambitions to play in Europe in the near future.

He added: "I'm still looking to play in Europe and the situation could be different at the start of next season.

"I still have some offers and I will discuss them with the administration and I'm sure that I can succeed in Europe."

itv.com

City take Saudi captain on trial

ASIAN Player of the Year and Saudi Arabia captain Yasser Al Qahtani will have a trial with Manchester City.

The 25-year-old striker arrived in Manchester with Al Hilal president Prince Mohammed Bin Faisal, with Sven-Goran Eriksson and his City coaching staff preparing to take a closer look at the player.

"I'm now in England after I got an invitation letter from Manchester City," said Al Qahtani.

"I'm here with Al Hilal president Prince Mohammed bin Faisal and my agent Turki Al Mukairin.

"I'm glad to train with such a good club in England and I will try my best to prove that Saudi players are good players."

-MEN.

My first reaction to this is one of scepticism.

I can't confess to have heard of this guy, let alone know whether he is a decent player or not. Perhaps it is a bit of a PR move to generate some interest in what is a lucrative market, but on the back of last nights defeat it became even more apparent that attacking reinforcements are needed in January - and these need to be of a quality nature, with a proven record.

I may be proved wrong but I don't see it with this signing.

Wikipedia page.