Al Wasl boss Hector Cuper has admitted that Al Jazira legend Ricardo Oliveira could be on his way to the Zabeel Stadium with either Andre Senghor or Mariano Donda leaving the club.
The Argentine, whose side lost 2-1 at home to Al Jazira on Saturday night, said the club is in negotiations with the Brazilian and that it is a “possibility” he will move from Abu Dhabi to Dubai.
While Cuper said that either Donda or Senghor – who is on loan from Bani Yas – could make way, word from within Al Wasl suggests that the latter is more likely to leave with the board believed to be keen on keeping Donda.
“Until this moment nothing is finished,” said Cuper. “We are still in negotiations. Yes, there is a possibility it will be Oliveira that joins the club.”
Oliveira, who spent four-and-a-half years at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, was made available last week after compatriot Jucilei da Silva was brought in from Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala. During his time with the Abu Dhabi giants, Oliveira scored an impressive 81 goals in 106 appearances.
Incidentally, Jazira boss Walter Zenga further bolstered his attacking ranks with the signing of former Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo from Lokomotiv Moscow, with ex-Valencia forward Nelson Valdez making way.
Senghor did at least put himself in the shop window with goal against Al Jazira but his strike proved only a consolation after Hyung Min Shin and Ali Mabkhout did the damage for the Pride of Abu Dhabi.
Al Wasl were left kicking themselves after they not only missed a couple of half chances late on but also missed a penalty when the scores were 0-0.
New signing Edson Puch, for the second straight game, won a penalty after darting into the left hand side of the box. Earlier this week, Donda missed the penalty Edson won but at least knocked in the rebound.
Elsewhere, Al Ain were held to goalless draw by Ajman.
