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First Refusal on Reuben Gabriel

Mouse!

Fookin' Legend in Gin Alley
Aug 29, 2011
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19,263
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25841776

Belgian side Waasland-Beveren have signed Nigeria international midfielder Reuben Gabriel on a free transfer.

His decision comes despite the prospect of an offer from English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur.

He had been training with Spurs and had begun discussions to join them and then be loaned immediately.

"I'm pleased and excited with this move," the 23-year-old told BBC Sport about his switch to Waasland-Beveren on a one-and-a-half-year deal.

“Tottenham will have first refusal on the player”

Tony Harris Reuben Gabriel's agent
"This club and league is a good platform for me to develop my football further.

"It's a positive step in my career and I want to give my best to the club and fans."

Gabriel is a free agent after terminating his contract at Kilmarnock following a series of disputes with the Scottish Premier League club.

The Belgian offer was too good to turn down, according to the player's agent Tony Harris.

"We had to pull him out of the arranged Spurs training abruptly because the offer from Belgium was interesting and presented a great opportunity for Gabriel in many ways," Harris told BBC Sport.

"Everything was, however, done in a professional and amicable way and Tottenham will have first refusal on the player."

Gabriel, who is greatly admired by Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi, is keen to play for his country at this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The versatile midfielder has made 10 appearances and scored once for the Super Eagles.

Two-time Belgian champions Beveren had a remarkable history of developing young African talent, before their 2010 merger with neighbours Red Star Waasland.

Ivory Coast stars Yaya Toure, Gervinho and Emmanuel Eboue all started their European careers at the club popularly known as 'Little Anderlecht'.
 

eddiebailey

Well-Known Member
Oct 12, 2004
7,454
6,719
work permit isnt an issue. He played 2 games for Kilmarnock before asking for his contact to be terminated

Does not a change of employer mean he would need to re-apply for a work permit?

Not quite sure how the points system works, but is it possible that obtaining a permit to turn out for Kilmarnock might be easier than for a Premiership club?
 

BringBack_leGin

Well-Known Member
Jul 28, 2004
27,719
54,929
If we have first refusal, does that also entail an agreed fee should we wish to sign him? Will watch out for him at the World Cup.
 

Main Man

Well-Known Member
Apr 11, 2013
2,314
1,699
Does not a change of employer mean he would need to re-apply for a work permit?

Not quite sure how the points system works, but is it possible that obtaining a permit to turn out for Kilmarnock might be easier than for a Premiership club?

Yes, he would need to re-apply but it would be under the same conditions as the original application
so he would be guaranteed to succeed.

But the system works the same for England/Scotland because it would be a permit to work in the UK, the club would be largely irrelevant.

The difficulty comes if the player represents a country outside of the worlds top 70.

Victor Wanyama is a prime example of all the above
 
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