Former Derby County and Stoke City target Birkir Bjarnason finally made an impact at his new club Al Arabi as he scored a last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Al Wakrah.
According to The Sun on Sunday (Sept 29; Page 53), Derby and Stoke were keen on Bjarnason.
The midfielder was on a free transfer, having been released by Aston Villa in the summer. And he claimed he held talks with the Championship duo over a possible move.
But Bjarnason instead joined Qatar side Al Arabi on a free transfer last month.
Al Arabi are coached by Icelandic manager Heimer Halgrimsson. Moreover, former Cardiff City and Iceland international Aaron Gunnarsson is on the books there.
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Al Arabi enjoyed a decent start to their league campaign, winning four and drawing one of their opening five games. Bjarnason was meant to strengthen the side.
The former Aston Villa man, however, endured a pretty torrid start to life at the Qatari club. In his first two games, Al Arabi suffered back-to-back defeats.
Bjarnason did manage to make amends on Friday though. With Al Arabi staring at a third straight defeat, the Iceland international grabbed a 96th minute equaliser as he found the net from close range following a knockdown at a corner.
A belated impact, but arguably worth the wait for his side’s new supporters.
Bjarnason only signed a three-month contract with the club. Derby and Stoke could revise their reported interest in January, and both sides could do with some fresh impetus.
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