Hugo Viana expects his future to be away from Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli, with the influential midfielder currently studying two offers from Spanish La Liga clubs.
Viana, 31, played a key role last term following his summer move from Braga, being nominated for the top flight’s Foreign Player of the Year award, as well as helping his new side to success in the UAE Super Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup.
However, Mirel Radoi’s arrival on a free transfer after his exit from Al Ain has drastically changed his standing with the treble winners.
Viana has been informed that he will not be selected to partner Majed Hassan in the two deep-lying centre midfield spots next season, with the experienced Romanian taking his starting place.
Matters have been complicated by the fact Ahli now possess six foreign players, two above the permitted number, with Radoi and newly-acquired Iraq playmaker Humam Tariq supplementing captain Grafite, Ciel, Luis Jimenez – who qualifies as an Asian player – and Viana.
When asked about Viana a fortnight ago, coach Cosmin Olaroiu insisted he would not be rushed into making any decision about the make-up of his squad for the upcoming campaign.
He said: “We want to be better, that is why we choose different things. There will be competition [between players] during pre-season, then we will see after that stage.”
Viana began training at the same time as his team-mates on July 15, but was given permission to return to Europe shortly afterwards.
After missing Thursday’s 3-1 friendly victory against Oman’s Sohar at Rashid Stadium, the 29-times capped Portugal international will re-join Ahli in Milan, Italy on August 1 for the beginning of their three-week tour.
Viana is currently contracted to the Red Knights until summer 2015, on an annual wage of €2 million (Dh9.9m).
The ex-Sporting Lisbon, Newcastle United and Valencia man is content to continue living in Dubai, with his wife and children happy in the city.
But the hurt to his “professional pride” following his demotion from his favoured ‘regista’ position has made him open to a potential move, according to those close to the player.
The salary offers from Spain – where he also played on-loan at Osasuna – do not match the figure he earns in the UAE, with those clubs being informed he could be made available on a free transfer if a settlement can be reached.
There has been no concrete interest or bids from any AGL rivals, thus far. Viana made more than 30 appearances for Ahli in all competitions, coming off as a substitute in the season-ending 1-0 President’s Cup final defeat to Al Ain.
