Al Ahli pulled off one of the biggest transfer coups of the summer when they completed a double deal for Al Shabab pair Ciel and Walid Abbas. Sport360°’s Arabian Gulf League expert Kenny Laurie offers his opinion on the deal and explains why it is a big statement of intent from the Red Knights.
Al Ahli mean business this year. They have spent big on new additions like coach Cosmin Olaroiu – a two-time league champion manager – Hugo Viana and, now, Walid Abbas and Ciel.
But they haven’t spent wantonly. It’s the fashion in the Arabian Gulf League to chase names rather than players. So many clubs have signed expensive and high-profile players such as Luca Toni, only for them to play without motivation while at the end of their careers, showing no inclination to adapt to the footballing culture here.
What the Red Knights have done is brought in personnel that are proven successes in the league.
Ciel is obviously the big name to arrive. The Brazilian is a tricky forward who will bring serious attacking menace to the Al Ahli side.
More than that, he can help turn around the lacklustre draws that plagued the side last season; his dash of unpredictability can unlock a defence at any time.
He is also a known performer at this level. In three years with Shabab, Ciel netted more than a goal every other game from the wing in all competitions.
– Al Ahli chief hails strongest squad in the league as Ciel & Abbas complete move
With his compatriot Grafite alongside him, the two could develop one of the strongest one-two punches in the league, a tandem that should rival Michel Bastos and Asamoah Gyan at title holders Al Ain.
While the Brazilian is the name on the fans’ lips, Abbas in his own way is just as crucial. With Lebanon international Yousef Mohammad leaving the club in the summer, the hole in the defence needed filling.
Instead of bringing in an expensive import, the Rashid Stadium has welcomed arguably the best local defender in the UAE.
The ambitions of club president Abdulla Al Naboodah are well known. But it is the ability not to be blinded by glittering lights that will push his side towards title contention.
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– Fabio Cannavaro takes his first coaching post at Al Ahli
– Al Ahli new boy Viana unfazed by manager change
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