EXCLUSIVE: Fulham to snap up former Real Madrid midfielder Diarra By John Edwards Last updated at 10:00 PM on 26th February 2012 Comments (0) Share Martin Jol believes he has taken a significant step towards securing Fulham's Barclays Premier League future after signing former Real Madrid midfielder Mahamadou Diarra for the rest of the season. The 30-year old, an integral part of Real's midfield under Fabio Capello, has agreed a contract for the rest of this season and hopes to do enough to persuade Jol he is worth a long-term deal. Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...hamadou-Diarra-join-Fulham.html#ixzz1nWuEmaqp
I'm not sure about this. We have a few players in that position with Baird, Sidwell, Etuhu... Etuhu probably not in Jol's plans and not sure about Sidwell. Baird is a different option altogether.
At 30 he's clearly not part of the plan to rejuvinate the first team squad, but he's got experience and quality. It's only till the end of the season, so there's plenty of time for Jol (and us) to see how it works out. If he stays longer, he could easily have another five years or so in him. It could be a brilliant signing. If it turns out not to be, the downside isn't likely to be particularly costly.
Agree Morgs, worth a look at. Perhaps a hybrid between Murphy and Etuhu? I wonder if that Murphy role is something that generally requires a bit of maturity - the calmness in the middle, seeing a good pass (and having the skill to deliver it).
Potentially a terrific signing if he can find some form. Sidwell is out until at least the middle of next month, and given the problems he's had with injury this season it's probably best not to rush him back. Etuhu's clearly not been happy this season, and my guess is that Jol just doesn't have confidence in him. I think Big Mart wants someone who can play as a defensive midfielder who doesn't give the ball away as often as Dickson. Like Captain said, if it works out we've got ourselves a very good player for nothing, if it doesn't, all it's cost us is four months wages. On his age - it's only a problem signing players 30+ if we're paying a fee and there's no sell-on value. Where there's no fee or it's minimal, the only cost is salary so as long as that's not exorbitant there's no problem. And at 30, he's still got 7 or 8 years on Scholes and Giggs!
A brilliant signing. He was fantastic with Real and Lyon and is looking to rebuild a career - as the Captain points out, if he doesn't manage it, no loss really but if he does we have got a world class player on our hands. Could become our makelele. You never know.
I cannot believe that we are attracting players of this calibre to the club, it shows what respect Jol has in the football world. On his day M.Diarra is a class act, if we can him match fit and keep him match fit, we have an amazing player. Welcome Mr Diarra.
This. The club are equally pleased and see it as a bit of a coup - http:/www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2012/February/DiarraFactfile.aspx
Isn't there an "exceptional talent" clause that allows the criteria for games played and international caps to be waived? I assume the club aren't worried otherwise they wouldn't have announced it yet.
Looking at his stats on Wikipedia (so not necessarily gospel truth) he's only played 36 games for Madrid and Monoco in the last three and a half years, partly due to injury and partly due to losing his place under Mourinho, so he obviously needs to get his career back on track. But then, as Jol said about Pog, we only get players like Diarra when they're going through a bad time. If they're playing well we can't afford them and they don't want to come. He wouldn't be the first player to resurrect his career at Fulham in recent years. And if he doesn't, we've not lost anything. You'd think his salary will be based partly on appearances.
I am shocked you guys dont think its a great signing. I think its a quality buy and just what you boys need. I really rate your team and can see you maybe getting 7th
Thanks A4L - I think many of us are quietly pleased about Diarra coming. We have had a few disappointments over the years with loans that turned out less exciting than expected - Montella for instance. I think Diarra could be quite something as long as he stays fit.
He looked quite good. Comfortable on the ball, some good passing, persistant and patient. May be useful.
