'Oman’s goalkeeper Ali Al Habsi might become the first Asian goalkeeper to play in the English Premier League (EPL) next season if his transfer falls through. Al Habsi currently plays for Norwegian club Lyn and negotiations are currently underway between his club and Bolton Wanderers. His agent Peter Hansen is currently dealing with EPL giants and it is said that Lyn are asking for more money for Al Habsi who was voted best goalkeeper in the Norwegian league last season. His contract with Lyn runs until 2005.' http://www.the-afc.com/english/media/default.asp?mnaction=news&action=details&newsID=955
all the best to Al-Habsi... a magnificent goalie (mashallah) I hope he does well with whatever he decides to do.
That would be a great move for him and for Omani football. Would that make him the first Gulfi to play in the EPL?
I agree he is a much more a solid performer than Shafi , the dude can save pentlies and is better in handling crosses and maybe the next Mohammed Al Deaya.
If by Gulfi you mean people from countries bordering the Persian gulf then no he is not since Karim Bagheri of Iran was the first Asian player ever to feature in the Premier league in 2000.
Sami played in division 1, what's now called the Coca Cola championship! as far as I know. So, that'll make Al-Habsi first GCC citizen to play in the EPL. there was an Iraqi fella who played in English top division, not premiereship back then (division 1 I think). back in the 60's. not sure of the name though
The first asian goalkeeper or player for that matter who was bought by an english primeriship club was iran's goalie in the 70's nasser hijazey ( asia's greatest goalkeeper of all time along with al daye of saudi ) who played a season with manchester united as their 3rd goalie he played a few matches in the league cup, not sure if he ever got a chance to play a primership game tho oh and yea shafi is better than oman's keeper.
Oh yaah! Nasser Hejazi did have a trial and 3 caps with Manchester United FC before the revolution. Nasser Hejazi was also ranked the 41st in "The World's best Goalkeeper of the Century". ( Ranked 2nd in Asia )
Sorry I should have been more specific - I meant Arab Gulf nations - like those who play in the Gulf Cup. Iran have had quite a few players play in Europe I believe.
Alhasbi is one of the best goalies in asia and he is young too i guess he is only 20 or 21. he must have been a good goalie to be offered to play in premier league where they have restrictions for non european players. Good Luck Alhasbi. and by the way Shafie is good but dont forget Jordan had a strong defenders too who helped shafie alot.