Paraguay forward Nelson Valdez sealed his exit from Al Jazira on Tuesday after a largely forgettable season in the Arabian Gulf League.
Valdez, who has moved to Bundesliga side Frankfurt, was by no means the first high-profile striker to fail in the UAE.
Here we look at four other forwards who were unable to live up to their billing…
Felipe Caicedo
Al Jazira – 2014
Now at his eighth club (including loans) at the age of 25, Caicedo never settled managing just nine league appearances and scoring four goals. His form in the AFC Champions League fared a little better but could not inspire his side past Al Ain at the last-16 stage.
Fernandinho
Al Jazira – 2012-13
The promising Brazilian signed from Sao Paulo for $4.5m but flattered to deceive, scoring just nine goals in 40 games. His struggles were unfortunately during the catastrophic time Luis Milla was in charge and he failed to impress the Spaniard enough to earn a regular starting place.
Luca Toni
Al Nasr – 2012
Bagged 21 goals for Verona last term which makes his failure here all the more perplexing as, in 14 games, he rarely impressed, scoring three goals in all competitions. An evident lack of motivation and plenty of time spent on the injury table ensured Toni's time in the UAE will be remebered for all the wrong reasons.
David Trezeguet
Bani Yas – 2011
One of the more bizarre transfers as the French star arrived to much fanfare but played just three times and was soon sold to River Plate after injury curtailed his season.
And here are two strikers that have proved you can succeed in the UAE with a big reputation…
Graftie
Al Ahli 2011 – present
The Brazilian striker has been one of the stand-out stars of UAE football since arriving from Wolfsburg three years ago. A total of 76 goals from 88 league and Arabian Gulf Cup games has led Al Ahli to two League Cups, one President's Cup and the 2013/14 Arabian Gulf League title. Also the two-time recipient of the Foreign Player of the Year award.
Asamoah Gyan
Al Ain 2011 – present (2011 season on loan)
The Ghanaian striker's move to UAE football raised a few eyebrows, but his commitment to Al Ain's cause cannot be questioned. Gyan has scored a quite remarkable 85 goals in 75 games to help The Boss to back-to-back league titles and a President's Cup. To the delight of Al Ain fans, he recently signed a contract extension to 2018.
