Bani Yas have pulled out of a deal to sign Blackburn midfielder Mauro Formica after the Argentine failed a medical.
The Abu Dhabi club thought they had completed their foreign quota when the 25-year-old arrived in the capital at the beginning of the week, but the effects of a knee injury picked up playing for Blackburn against Cardiff last December has scuppered the move.
Formica went on to play eight games on loan at Italian side Palermo in the second half of last season, but that did nothing to allay Bani Yas’ fears of a recurrence.
“Bani Yas Football Club has decided not to complete the procedures for contracting with the Argentinean player Mauro Formica, after an earlier agreement between the two parties to sign the player for the next three seasons,” a statement released by the Arabian Gulf League club said.
“The announcement to cancel the contract came after a medical examination and the opinion of the club’s medical committee, which reported that the player has an old injury and there is a possibility of the injury repeating in the future.
“Based on that, the club management has decided not to risk signing with the player, especially that the goal of the club in the next season is to compete in major tournaments and the team need their elements 100 per cent ready.”
Al Samawi had been in negotiations with several potential signings – including Colo-Colo striker Carlos Munoz and Newell’s Old Boys midfielder Victor Figueroa – before deciding on Formica.
And, they will now return to their previous shortlist as they look to bring in a fourth foreign player before the start of pre-season.
Board member Musallam Al Kathiri said: “There are many options on the table of the Technical Committee that always gives alternative options depending on a technical point of view.
“And the club will choose in the coming days the fourth foreign player for the team.”
READ MORE:
– Al Shabab in talks to sign Brazil legend Ronaldinho
– Al Ain boss Olaroiu ‘agrees’ €4m Al Ahli deal – report
* For breaking news, follow us on @Sport_360 or find us on Facebook.
