Iraqi international and ex-Holland youth player, Osama Rashid has signed a two year contract with Bulgarian side PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv. The move follows Osama’s impressive campaign with SC Farense, where the midfielder featured 41 times for the Portuguese outfit and proved instrumental to the side. The 24 year old demonstrated a keen eye for goal, netting eight times for the Leões de Faro as well as assisting an additional eight goals. Such was the former-Feyenoord graduate’s form for SC Farense, the box-to-box midfielder was called up by Iraq’s manager in the last bout of fixtures for the national team.

Speaking to the Iraqi expat, he told IraqFootball.me that he was delighted with the move and eager to start the new season with the Bulgarian club. PFC Lokomotiv Plovdiv, playing in Bulgaria’s top flight league, finished the last campaign in fifth position but will hope to push on this year and mount a serious title-challenge, led by non-other than Osama himself. The youngster took to Instagram to express his delight at signing for his new club:

Rashid told IraqFootball.me that the manager was a key reason for him joining the club. Ilian Iliev, a former Bulgarian international and Benfica player, currently manages the side and has monitored Osama for a while. This convinced Osama to put pen to paper on a two year deal amidst speculations linking him to other clubs. It was rumoured that there was heavy interest from Gulf clubs especially, but the player was keen to stay in Europe and continue progressing his career.

The facilities on offer at the Bulgarian club also proved a tempting offer, with the midfielder eager to utilise the club’s equipment to maximise his own growth as a footballer. Lokomotiv Stadium, the club’s home ground, seats 11,800 spectators whilst the home changing room hosts its own jacuzzi, sauna and an ice bath – facilities to match most clubs internationally. Osama can also look forward to having his own apartment too, located in the Plovdiv district.

Home Changing Room

The number 8 shirt favoured by Osama is unavailable for selection due to it being retired in honour of Hristo Bonev, a Lokomotiv Plovdid and Bulgarian footballing legend. Bonev was previously the all time leading goal scorer for the Bulgarian national team, only to be displaced by former Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspurs striker Dimitar Berbatov, who currently holds the number one spot. Osama will find out his new shirt number next week.