How were Reda Antar and Youssef Mohammad spotted by Freiburg SV?

Question

How were they spotted? who were sent to Lebanon and who's attention did they call?

Who knows about this transfer?

Answer 1

Roda Antar began his career in the Bundesliga with Hamburg. He was brought over in 2001 on loan from his Lebonese club Tadamon Sur.

After the loan ended upon the conclusion of the 2001 Bundesliga season, Hamburg used their option to sign him to a two year deal. But Antar failed to establish himself in the first team and moved to Freiburg in 2003 once his contract with HSV expired.

He became a fan favorite his first year at Freiburg, and it was he who recommended his compatriot Youssef Mohamad to club officials. Mohamad arrived at Freiburg during the summer transfer window in 2004.

So Mohamad definately went to Freiburg at the suggestion of Roda Antar.

But how Hamburg discovered Antar, I don't know.

Here are a couple of theories:

-- At the time Hamburg had another Middle Eastern player in their squad, the Iranian Mehdi Mahdavikia. So maybe Mahdavikia knew about Antar and suggested him to Hamburg officials (?)

-- German clubs often train and play friendlies abroad to keep in shape when the Bundesliga goes on winter break for around 6-8 weeks in December-February.

So perhaps Hamburg went to the Middle East in January 2001 and discovered Antar while on their winter break (?)

Like I said, only theories.

As a long time Cologne fan, I'm very glad both are now at 1. FC Köln.

:)