I think you're right. The fact that we've got connections with Al-Ahly (Don't tell me that when we formed a partnership to share resources Bruce didn't immediately start looking at their squad), Bruce has a history of bringing talented foreign players to the UK and when he was asked about it by Burnsey, he never made any reference to negotiations being an issue, only getting work permits for Egyptian players. Also the fact that at the Egyptian end, they're also not too fussed about discussing it, seems to suggest we're not exactly dealing with a tentative enquiry.
One would think this would make it easier to sign Elmo. The SB connection, his pal meyler is here, and now we may get some of his national team members here as well. I cant imagine he would sign for anyone one else.
I agree with this, all a matter of time until Elmo is a Tiger again imo. Btw, as a RB, Ahmed Fathi > Elmo. He scores more too.
Won't Elmo and Ahmed Fathi clash though? We can't fit them both on our wing, unless we're going to drop the 3-5-2. Does he play anywhere else?
i personally think its just Gedo thats coming, bruce said it was only one from egypt, but could be both
I don't know if it's just someone guessing based on KingFut's story, but goal.com is saying it's Ahmed Fathi. Though that doesn't match with Bruce's description, he's ex-Sheff Utd, so he'd get a permit with very little problem.
In Bob Bradley's Egypt (4 at the back), if both start together: Fathi is a RB and Elmo a RM. If he only plays one as a RWB, it's Fathi. He is after all, CAF's RB of the year (in their World XI). Fathi started his career as a CDM (his apps in the prem were in that position), he can still play there, but a much better option on the wing.
He hasn't already got a work permit. As a footballer you have to apply for a new one every time you sign a contract. If Man U had a player with a work permit on a 4 year contract and we wanted to sign him on a 3 year contract we'd still have to apply for a permit. The fact he used to play for Sheff U is completely irrelevent. All it shows is that at some point in the past he was eligible for a work permit. If he doesn't meet the requirements for international appearances now then he won't get one.
Well no, but there are more requirements than just his appearances (though he's a regular for Egypt, last playing last Monday), and he has met them in the recent past. That was all my comment referred to. If he's had a permit, it's more likely that he'll be able to get another one, assuming he's not gone and got himself a criminal record or something.
"However, the Red Devils may turn down the offer as the Egyptian Premier League might resume next February after a year-long break following the Port Said disaster that left more than 70 dead and hundreds injured." Does this mean he hasn't played for a while and may lack match fitness?
some players do make an instant impact when they are signed so lets hope Mr Gedo is one of them - not sure which striker we've currently got would play best with him. as long as we make quick progress in obtaining his signature on the contract - which any links between the 2 clubs will help.
Look back it looks like he's at least played up until the end of October, oh and then the final . Is it the Egyptian league that's of till February then. http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20022900
