Al Ahli may still be without a manager, but it has not stopped their summer recruitment drive as Emirati defender Esam Dhahi completes his move from Al Shabab.
The Red Knights are currently on the search for a new coach after Quique Sanchez Flores stepped down after two successful seasons at the Rashid Stadium.
And while talks are ongoing over a successor for the Spaniard, Ahli have not ignored their desire to bolster their playing staff after Dhahi signed a two-year deal.
The 30-year-old joins the President’s Cup champions having spent the entire of his career at Shabab, making 82 appearances in four seasons at the Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum Stadium.
Dhahi said: “I’m happy to wear the shirt of Al Ahli and hope to enjoy many successes with my new club.”
Dhahi has been signed as a direct replacement for Lebanese defender Yousef Mohamed, who was released by Ahli after sustaining a serious knee ligament injury while on international duty earlier this month. The former Cologne captain’s contract was set to expire this summer and the Red Knights opted not to extend his deal following the horrific injury.
The defender’s transfer follows a busy start to the summer for Ahli, who have also completed the signing of Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viano from Braga, while Luis Jimenez has taken on Palestinian citizenship, thus becoming the club’s Asian player.
While the squad is taking shape ahead of a season in which they are aiming to topple Al Ain as the Pro League champions and make an impact in the AFC Champions League, Ahli are still to name a new coach.
Former Al Jazira boss Abel Braga and Real Madrid assistant manager Aitor Karanka have both been linked with the position, whileSport360 has been informed that a decision on Quique’s successor will be made in the next week.
READ MORE:
– Al Nasr to appoint Ivan Jovanovic as new manager
– Al Ahli to appoint Quique successor in the next week
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