Tata Talal

Talal El Karkouri has been sent out on loan to Quatar side Al Gharafa until the end of the season with a view to a permanent move in the summer. In situations like this, the clubs normally agree the potential transfer fee before the loan commences, but there is no mention of his price in the article.

I quite liked old Talal, he made the odd crazy challenge or two but he had good positional sense, and was able to play quite creatively for a defender. His last performance for the first team was up at the City of Manchester stadium earlier this year, when he created a goal for Darren Bent with a superb defence-splitting pass, and popped up in their box in the last minute to almost steal a point for us.

The player himself claims that a lack of first team opportunities are the reason for him wanting the move; that and the opportunity to play in 'The Asian Champions League!'
In his two years with the club, he has made a total of 48 appearances, scoring 5 goals.
I will remember Talal mainly for his committed performances, his driving runs forward, and a wonderful set piece goal against the Gunners at The Valley.