Hatem Ben Arfa Set for Al-Jazira Move Amid Uncertain Season
Hatem Ben Arfa could be on the verge of restarting his career in the United Arab Emirates, with reports linking the French midfielder to Al-Jazira Club.
The 27-year-old has been without competitive football since his brief stint at Newcastle United and a controversial transfer to OGC Nice in February. Despite signing with the Ligue 1 side, Ben Arfa was barred from playing this season after FIFA ruled that appearing for three clubs in one campaign breached regulations. He had previously featured for Newcastle and Hull City earlier in the season.
With his immediate playing prospects in France on hold, the former Marseille and Lyon man is now said to be close to a move to the UAE Pro League, where he would be reunited with Eric Gerets, his former coach at Marseille during the 2008–09 season.
Al-Jazira, currently managed by Gerets, is reportedly keen on adding Ben Arfa to its squad to bolster midfield creativity. The club, based in Abu Dhabi, has also been linked with a move for Marko Baša, the experienced Montenegrin defender currently under contract with Lille until 2019. At 32, Baša may be open to a move after a long stint in French football.
Ben Arfa is also believed to have received an offer from a Chinese club, though his preference appears to be reuniting with Gerets in the Middle East, a move that could offer him both game time and stability after a turbulent year.
If finalised, the deal would offer Ben Arfa a chance to rebuild his career in a less pressurised environment while playing under a manager familiar with his style and character.
