Former Mexico, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol and, most recetly, Japan boss, Javier Aguirre has been named new head coach of Arabian Gulf League side Al Wahda.
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Aguirre replaces Sami Al Jaber who departs after just three months at the Al Nahyan Stadium. The former Saudi Arabia star claimed he was sacked because of a difference in opinion over the club’s direction.
The Mexican's appointment will come as a surprise to some Al Wahda fans after the club jumped the gun by announcing ealier this month that they were on the brink of hiring Oman coach Paul Le Guen on a one-year deal.
However, their 'deal' with Le Guen transpired to be a verbal agreement, with the Oman FA quickly reaffirming that Le Guen was going nowhere.
The AGL side will hope Aguirre is one of a number of new signings with Sao Paulo midfielder Denilson believed to be close to finalising a deal and Chelsea's John Obi Mikel rumoured to be on their radar.
Aguirre's time in Japan ended in February of this year after six months and ten games in charge, amid allegations of match-fixing at another former clulb Real Zaragoza.
The 56-year-old was forced to deny allegations that he was involved in fixing games and although he was never found guilty of any wrong-doing.
Al Wahda finished fourth in the AGL last season and the new manager will be under pressure to improve on this standing next term. Wahda have decided not take up their spot in next season’s GCC Club Cup as they look to concentrate on the AGL.
