Liberia star striker William Jebor has begun life with his new club, Al-Nassr, on a disappointing note after failing to get a win or a goal in his first three games.
Despite interest from top European clubs including French League clubs Rennes and Metz, the 25-year–old Liberian put an end to all speculation surrounding his next move when he joined the Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr on a three-year deal.
Jebor enjoyed an incredible year with Moroccan club Wydad Casablanca during the 2016-17 league season where he won the country’s top tier league, the Botola Pro, and was the league’s highest goal scorer at the end of the season with 19 goals.
His good form with Wydad had helped him resuscitate his career after two disappointing years in Europe with Portugal’s Premier Liga club, Rio Ave, and then Spanish Segunda club, Ponferradina. With Wydad, Jebor established himself as a dependable goal scorer and he became the target of many clubs, including Wydad, which hoped to make his loan a permanent move.
It became an easy decision for Jebor to snub European clubs to move to the Middle East where the cash is flowing. Middle Eastern leagues have lately been known for spending big on football, attracting the likes of Ghana National team record goal scorer and former English Premier League star, Asamoah Gyan, and top Brazilian stars.
Jebor might have benefited financially after moving to Al-Nassr, but the former Rio Ave man has a lot to prove to his new employers. His 19 league goals with Wydad was the driving force behind his signature and there’s more expected from him ahead of the upcoming Saudi Arabia league season.
With Al-Nassr finishing eighth on the 2016-17 log, they won the place to play in the 2017 Arab Championship that is currently ongoing in Egypt. The tournament will be the perfect opportunity for Al-Nassr to carefully examine their new players ahead of the 2017-18 league season.
From three games played so far, Al-Nassr is yet to grab a win with Jebor also failing to find the back of the net. He has completed 107 minutes from the possible 270 minutes of play. He came on as 65th minute substitute in Al-Nassr’s opening match to Al Ahed that ended with a 1-1 draw
Jebor made his first start as an Al-Nassr’s player in their second match of the Arab Championship against Moroccan side, FUS Rabat. He played 68 minutes where he was unable to prevent his team from suffering a 4-0 humiliation.
Nassr’s poor run continued with another defeat when the team bowed to a 2-1 loss to Egyptian club, Zamalek SC, as they exited the competition without a win. They finished bottom of Group B with a point from three games.
Al-Nassr will now continue their build up to the new league season that will begin in August. They will begin their campaign with a trip to Al Faisaly on August 12.
Featured photo courtesy of Al-Nassr
