Shabab Al-Khaleel sign Nu'man, eye others.

After weeks of speculation, Ashraf Nu'man has a new team. Throughout the season we heard mumblings that Wehdat were set to pip Al-Faisaly for his signature, in a move that surely would have added considerable spice to the Amman Derby. 

There were also rumors linking the Bethlehemite to Al-Faisaly of Saudi Arabia in a move that would have seen him make close to $250,000/year. 

In the end, the ambition of Shabab Al-Khaleel would not be denied. The Hebronite club came the closest to meeting Ashraf Nu'man's wage demands (he'll make around $80-90,000 according to most reports) and he will surely be the best compensated player in the WBPL next season. He'll be expected to slot into Abdelhamid Abuhabib's position as the young Gazan chose to return to Shabab Balata after just one season with the Bianconeri. 

The club hasn't stopped there, however, also announcing the singings of Husam Abu Saleh and Khaled Me'ary- two Hilal Al-Quds players who are allegedly under contract. If reports are to be believed, they're lining up a contract offer to Abdelatif Bahdari. 

It should be noted that this move guarantees Ashraf Nu'man's participation at the Challenge Cup Finals in March. 

Suitors lining up to sign Ashraf Nu'man

Wanted, but for how much?

Ashraf Nu'man has enjoyed the last twelve months, to say the least. Not only is he key to Jamal Mahmoud's plans in the national team he is now set to parlay a strong season on loan to Al-Faisaly into a major pay-day.

When Al-Faisaly signed the Tarji Wadi Al-Nes player on loan they doubted that the dynamic winger could replicate his form on the other side of the river. A strong start to the domestic season had them scrambling to reach a deal but it was too late as offers have since poured in from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and even a certain WBPL side.

So where will Ashraf end up? He has stated a preference for Jordan due to its proximity to his family in Palestine and despite previous shows of loyalty to Al-Faisaly he hasn't been shy about negotiating with bitter rivals Al-Wehdat.

OFFICIAL: Murad Ismail to Wehdat

Murad Ismail: Looks good in Green

Murad Ismail has officially signed with Wehdat what has become a common transaction for Palestinian players. Murad Ismail follows in the foot steps of Fadi Lafi, Ziyad Al-Kord, Abdelatif Bahdari, Ahmed Keshkesh, and Fahed Attal as the latest national team player to don Wehdat's famous green jersey. 

Despite being part of Jordan's historic 'Big Two' club, alongside fierce rivals Al-Faisaly, Wehdat will not be playing in the AFC Cup this year after failing to win the League or Cup this past season. 

The 30 year-old Qalqilya native had been a central figure in Hilal Al-Quds's 2011/12 League winning campaign and his absence will affect the team in their pursuit of continental glory in the AFC President's Cup next fall. 

Financial details of the contract have not been confirmed but Ismail is expected to receive around $45,000/year in addition to a living and transportation stipend. The player is also rumored to have heeded the advice of Jamal Mahmoud by placing a clause in his contract that would allow him to play in the Challenge Cup. 

Rapid Reaction: Qatar 2-0 Palestine (Friendly)

Palestine Starting XI: Toufic Ali, Fares, Wadi, Mahdi, Abdullah; Obeid (C), Abujazar, Ismail, Ahmed Maher; Barakat, Attieh

Also participating: Al-Koori, Abed Kaebia, Fayex Asileh, Maen Jamal, Al-Battat

First Half Highlights 

Squad to face Qatar announced

Palestine held Qatar to a goalless draw last year.

The PFA surprisingly announced a friendly versus Qatar last week in what is a concerted attempt to get the national team ready for the AFC Challenge Cup in eleven months time. For the time being this seems to be an unofficial friendly, aimed at getting more exposure for domestic based players who will most likely make up the bulk of the Challenge Cup squad.

The match is set for April 17th in Doha but further details have yet to be revealed.

There has been a surprise call up for Maen Jamal, who last played for the national team in the first game of the Mousa Bezaz era. Earning his first senior team call-up is Mus'ab Al-Battat, who at 17, was the youngest member of the Olympic squad two years ago.

There have been some surprise omissions from the 20-man squad as well. Shabab Al-Khaleel duo Mohammed Shbair and Abdelhamid Abuhabib are not in the squad whilst the likes of Husam Abu Saleh, Eyad Abugharqud, Khaled Salem, Samer Hijazi, and Adham Abu Rwais withdrew citing various unspecified reasons.