Al Ain are growing confident that the deal to secure Kashima Antlers star Caio is back on, with a definitive decision about whether to proceed set for the coming days.
Caio, 22, is the Boss’ No1 target as they attempt to secure a left winger to compliment Colombian speedster Danilo Asprilla. But the process to bring in the Brazilian has proven complicated.
Two unnamed Qatars Stars League outfits had bettered their original bid of Dh12.4m from last week, while escalating financial demands from the player’s extensive entourage and associated middle men had made the process even more convoluted.
A meeting has now been pencilled in by the existing hierarchy to discuss plans for recruitment. All major decisions at the club are being taken by His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, National Security Adviser, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and vice-president of the Boss, since he dismissed the boards of Al Ain Football Club and Al Ain Investment Company on June 1 because of the fallout from a controversial television advert.
No announcement has been made yet about replacements, with the Abu Dhabi royal continuing to assess suitable candidates. He hopes to imminently unravel the situation with Caio and other players of interest in the domestic market, with Bani Yas and UAE centre midfielder Amer Abdulrahman also up for discussion among others.
Caio has already been vocal about his future, previously saying in response to the Middle Eastern interest in his services: “ I do not think about any other club. There is only Kashima in my head – I want to play still for Kashima.”
The Aracatuba-native has spoken of a desire to become naturalised and represent Japan, after arriving in the country aged 17. If he was to make the move, this process could not occur.
Scouts from Bundesliga teams also regularly plunder the J1 League and he is aware of possible interest.
All the speculation hasn’t affected the form of the 2014 Rookie of the Year. He put in another decisive performance on Saturday, teeing up midfielder Yasushi Endo in the 50th minute to complete a come-from-behind 2-1 win at Vissel Kobe to move his team up into first place.
This means he now has an impressive five goals and five assists during 16 appearances in the competition this term.
Space in the Boss’ four-player foreign quota looks to be opening up, with reports in Saudi Arabia stating Al Ahli Jeddah are close to wrapping up a move for unwanted centre midfielder Fellipe Bastos.
Bastos, 26, has been made available just a year since his arrival from Vasco Da Gama. Al Riyadh newspaper has stated the Saudi Professional League and King’s Cup double winners have made a breakthrough in their bid to bring him in.
