In a move that came as a shock to many, French midfielder Yohan Cabaye has joined Arabian Gulf League side Al Nasr. Cabaye joins from Premier League side Crystal Palace on a free after his contract expired on July 1st. Al Nasr’s new centre-midfielder will wear the #7 shirt and has signed a two-year deal with the Dubai-based club.
Much will be expected of an experienced, talented player like Cabaye in the UAE. The French midfielder has an impressive CV, amassing over 550 total career appearances with the likes of Lille, Newcastle, PSG, Crystal Palace, and the French national team. Cabaye’s numerous appearances have not gone without reward – the Frenchman has won three Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups, and two French League Cups.
In London Cabaye provided a stable, consistent presence that contributed to Crystal Palace’s continued Premier League survival. The centre midfielder made over 100 appearances for The Eagles across his three years with the club and established himself as a real fan favourite. His best performances came during his first year in Southern England when he scored five goals and provided one assist, earning three Man of the Match awards.
At the age of 32, it is likely that this two-year contract will be one of Cabaye’s last. A move to the Arabian Gulf League will disappoint some, but the French midfielder is more than deserving of one final payday in a league where his quality will be even more evident.
