Ryan Babel arrives at Al Ain for medical

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  • Pastures new: Babel.

    Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has set his sights on adding to Al Ain’s overflowing trophy cabinet after he became the Arabian Gulf League champions’ first signing of the summer window.

    Babel, 28, landed in the UAE last night as he prepared to complete the formalties of his switch from Turkish Super Lig outfit Kasimpasa for an undisclosed fee, on a reported two-year contract. He will undergo a medical later on Wednesday and be presented to the media on Thursday.

    The 43-times-capped Netherlands international is set to take the place of Miroslav Stoch in the four-player foreign quota after he returned to Fenerbahce once his one-season loan deal expired.

    “I am very excited to start the season with the team, especially since negotiations on a transfer to Al Ain were conducted in an excellent manner with high professionalism between all parties,” Babel said.

    “I really desired to represent Al Ain and I hope to be repay the confidence shown in me by the coaching staff, led by Zlatko Dalic, in order to delight fans of the team.

    “I am very happy to move to Al Ain. I want to regain the AFC Champions League and President’s Cup and retain the Arabian Gulf League title. Observers of Asian football must have a good knowledge of Al Ain, they are a team full of stars and armed with a history full of achievements and championships.”

    Dalic’s side now boasts a player who will add experience and a goal threat from out wide, although he is also capable of playing as a striker.

    He initially made his name at hometown club Ajax, impressive performances for them and the Netherlands Under-21s leading to a a £11.5 million transfer (Dh66.3m) to Premier League giants Liverpool in 2007.

    Babel was unable to nail down a regular spot and departed for Germany’s Hoffenheim four years later after he scored 12 goals in 91 top-flight appearances.

    A return to Ajax followed before he made the switch to Kasimpasa in 2013, registering 14 times in 58 Super Lig games.

    Boss team manager Nasser Abdullah Al Junaibi hailed the recruitment of a player with “high technical potential”. He said: “Ryan Babel was one of the most-prominent names put forward by the Croatian coach, Zlatko Dalic to strengthen the team in the new season.

    “Babel has a wonderful personality, high technical potential and has considerable experience in the fields of football with clubs such as Liverpool, Ajax and TSG 1899 Hoffenheim.”

    The Dutchman will meet up with his new team-mates on July 10 for the initial stages of pre-season training, a two-week camp in Austria beginning on July 18.

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