Imad Zatara moves to Ligue 2 side Nîmes Olympique


So, it might have been a good idea to keep an eye on the transfer wire this season… because it has been pretty active as far as Palestinian National Team players are concerned.

Imad Zatara has joined one of Eric Cantona’s former clubs Nîmes Olympique on a five month contract with an option for two addtional years. He was discovered by former Algerian National Team Manager Jean-Michel Cavali via youtube. Cavali sees Zatara as a tricky winger who can help set up scoring opportunities with his burst of speed and accurate crosses. Zatara will be the first Palestinian player to play in the French professional league.

Imad Zatara, who spent the 2009 season in the Swedish Superattan (2nd tier of Swedish Football) with Syrianska FC scoring 4 goals in 29 appearances. His contributions helped Syiranska- a newly promoted side- finish fourth, 1 point shy for a shot at back-to-back promotions. The move originally seemed like a step backward for Zatara who had played with the football factory of Sweden IF Brommapojkarna in the Allsvenskan and Zalaegerszegi TE of the Hungarian Premier League.

Credit to Zatara though, he put his head down and worked hard and will now be playing in Ligue 2 for a club two points off a promotion place.