The Togolese Football Federation (FTF) has officially announced on Monday, November 13, 2023, the much-anticipated arrival of Khaled Narey to the national team, marking a pivotal moment for the Sparrowhawks.
According to the FTF statement, Narey, a player long on the radar, consistently displayed “exemplary and sportsmanlike behavior during negotiations.” Despite his evident love for Togo, the opportune moment to integrate into the national team had not yet presented itself.
“The discussions persisted throughout the year until the player gave his agreement in July 2023,” states the press release underscoring the persistent negotiations that ultimately led to an agreement this summer.
Narey’s unavailability for the final match of the CAN 2023 qualifiers in September was explained in the statement. He reached out to national coach Paulo Duarte early to inform him of his absence due to “his transfer to Saudi Arabia, notably for personal affairs.”
Expressing satisfaction, the FTF wishes Narey a “smooth integration into the Sparrowhawks.” It also alludes to confidence in the continuation of the “rebuilding work” initiated by coach Duarte, anticipating that Narey’s contribution will strengthen the team’s structure.
The statement concludes on an optimistic note, with the FTF hoping for the arrival of “other players with whom discussions are ongoing to bring added value to the national selection and help achieve its objectives.” Thus, the announcement of Narey’s arrival opens the door to new aspirations for Togo’s Sparrowhawks.
Born on July 23, 1994, in Germany to Togolese parents, Khaled Narey now serves as a winger for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Khaleej following his departure from PAOK in the Greek championship.