There’s news today in talkSPORT that Newcastle are interested in Egyptian star Shikabala.
Shikabala – already in black and white stripes
The 25 year-old currently plays for Zamalek in the Egyptian Premier League, and he’s an Egyptian International.
Shikabala – full name – Mahmoud Abdel Razek Fadlallah – stands 6′ tall and was born in Aswan, Egypt, and can play as a winger, or an attacking midfielder .
He has been at Zamalek since 2006, and has played for them 78 times with 53 goals, and he’s played for Egypt 11 times with one goal.
Blackburn are also said to be interested in the player, and the news is that he will be available for a cut price deal with just 6 months remaining on his contract at the Egyptian club.
It seems that Birmingham were close to agreeing a deal for the player, before they were relegated, but Newcastle and Blackburn are now said to be the two clubs trying to sign the Egyptian International.
We have never seen this player play, so it’s hard to know whether he would be good enough for Newcastle.
But it’s a huge step up from the Egyptian Premier League to the English Premier League, and it would seem he would be a risk for Newcastle.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
53 comments so far
Nufc_mo
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:24 AM
Comment #41hehe… i really cant think of any other player that fits the description though…. surely it couldnt be Nicky Butt…
JackButler
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:26 AM
Comment #42Nufc_mo
that story is doing the rounds down here, Swans chairman is not happy about NUFC triggering the clause in Taylor’s contract. the player wants to come from what I’ve been told, but the club are digging their heels in for more money
P.I.
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:27 AM
Comment #43I think we should sign Shikba-lad just for the comedy value of being able to ‘Walk like an Egyptian’ in the stands when he runs on. And if he notches the announcer will have to say
“goal for Newcastle by number 27?..SHEEEEEKBALAAAAAAAAA”
Davies
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Comment #44Just watched some footage of Shikabala, and I have to say I think he looks pretty decent. Don’t know how he’d adapt to the premier league, but he has a very similar style of play to Jonas (but with an absolutely superb delivery). Worth a pop if he’s cheap.
Also, I rate Neil Taylor. I think he could make the step up as well. If he gets a season to train with Jose, it would be nice, but he’s got a lot of potential and I could see him making that left back position his own. Would be a VERY shrewd buy at £1m.
Angryman the Angry fan
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Comment #45Do we need tikkabilla more to the point??
Thought we just bought exact same player in cabaye??
Or have we??
GREEK TOON ARMY
Jun 8, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Comment #46Hello from Greece ppl!Shikabala used to play for my team in Greece PAOK as a 19 year old talent. Honestly he is one of the most exciting players i ve ever seen.Good technical ability, shoot, pass and he s also quite big and strong. But the reason he didnt last even in the weak greek league was he s attidute…This boy is just crazy- but this was 5-6 years ago.Hope he learned from his mistakes and sign for the toon.
Eyeball81
Jun 8, 2011 at 12:27 PM
Comment #47Good stats in the egyptian league, cant remember who it was who used to rave about him and progbeyak ages ago?
Doubt he could make the step up, Who was the mexican player bolton signed a while ago…Borgetti? wasnt he the top scorer in the mexican league? Bolton got rid a year after he arrived or something
Very risky with this kind of player
Eyeball81
Jun 8, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Comment #48@JackButler
I see what you mean Ive read that today aswell…thought the idea of having a clause in your contract was any club that meets that valuation he’s free to talk to and the selling club couldn’t dig ther heels in
JP...from The Rock
Jun 8, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Comment #49I mentioned this guy yesterday Ed. Hardly news is it. But he does look good but I’ve only seen him on Youtube. We could get him very cheap and is still a class above our midfield when it comes to technical ability. Even if it’s in the Egyptian League his fabulous ball control is there for all to see. It would be a welcome coup but I would rather see Boudebouz or Marvin Martin.
Sav
Jun 8, 2011 at 1:51 PM
Comment #50Shikabala Boom! Cheick Cheick the TOON!
Jan Stavik
Jun 8, 2011 at 2:28 PM
Comment #51Only 6 months left? Then we’ll take him off their books for 500k. Bring him in, it’s just a few weeks of Alan Smith’s salary anyways!
Shikabala has more ability than our whole strikeforce all together. Maybe we’ll be able to swap him for Shola… 😉
north east lincs toon
Jun 8, 2011 at 3:59 PM
Comment #52Full of crap on talksport thick twats!
max
Jun 8, 2011 at 5:49 PM
Comment #53if he is really good player, then just sign him