Former Premier League player set to join Qatari side 16 months after he nearly died in horrific accident

Sergio Rico is expected to complete a free transfer to Al-Gharafa in the Qatar Stars League 16 months after he nearly lost his life.

The goalkeeper – who made 29 Premier League appearances for Fulham in the 2018-19 season – suffered a serious head injury in May last year in a horse-riding accident.

Rico spent three weeks in a coma, while a medical report claimed that he had been ‘half a centimetre’ from death.

He had been under contract with Paris Saint-Germain at the time of the accident but he left the French side in June this year following the expiration of his contract.

Rico, 31, has not played in a competitive game of football since May 2022 when he was on loan at La Liga outfit Mallorca. 

Goalkeeper Sergio Rico (centre) pictured playing for Fulham against Liverpool in 2019

Rico and his wife Alba Silva pictured in hospital last year after the footballer’s horrific accident

Rico and Silva – who are expecting their first child together – are now set to move to Qatar

However, he is expected to return to the pitch next month once he has finalised his move to Al-Gharafa.

It is understood that Rico will travel to Qatar on Wednesday to complete his transfer.

Al-Gharafa will be the fifth team of Rico’s senior career, which began with hometown side Sevilla.

He won the Europa League twice with Sevilla, before adding six trophies to his collection while at PSG.

Al-Gharafa finished third in the Qatar Stars League last season, which was enough to qualify for the AFC Champions League.