Dons forward set for club-record move to Qatar
AFC Wimbledon have announced that Ayoub Assal is in advanced talks to join a club in the Middle East.
The South London Press understands Assal is in negotiations with a club based in Qatar and the Dons will receive north of £1million after the 20-year-old’s buy-out clause was triggered.
Wimbledon broke their club-record transfer sale in the summer when Jack Rudoni was sold to Championship side Huddersfield Town in a deal potentially worth around £800,000.
Assal, who still had 18 months left to run on his current deal, has scored 10 goals and registered five assists in 31 appearances this season.
A statement on the club’s website said: “Whilst we did not intend to sell Ayoub in this transfer window, the buying club, based in the Middle East, have offered an amount that triggers a ‘buy out’ clause in his contract.
“Ayoub has been permitted to hold talks with the club and subject to contracts being agreed, it is likely that a deal will be completed shortly.
“We wish Ayoub well and we will update you further as things progress.”
PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
Assal is still very young and this surely cannot be good for his long-term development. Clubs in the Gulf States are more usually graveyard slots for older players looking to boost their pension funds.
Hmmmm, ill for weeks then, suddenly, moving to Qatar….seems a bit suspicious to me.