Coveted Al Ain attackers Hussein El Shahat and Caio will be going nowhere during the winter transfer market, according to chairman Ghanim Al Hajeri.
Rampant talk has opened up this week that the pair will imminently be off to new employers. Brazilian forward Caio – who won the Silver ball at the 2018 Club World Cup – is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked to Portugal giants Porto and Benfica, while Egypt midfielder El Shahat has been the subject of an official offer from Cairo heavyweights Al Ahly.
These developments have forced the Arabian Gulf League holders to swiftly shoot down talk of outgoing business.
“Currently, Al Ain’s list includes five foreign players and there are no plans to change the current conditions until the end of this season,” Al Hajeri said.
“We will definitely meet all the future needs and requirements that secure the stability of the team and help the coaching team to focus on their jobs.
“The Club will keep going regardless of the names of the Board of Directors, coaching team or foreign or local players.
“This is why we have to have trust in the club’s work teams and provide them with the support they need to be able to meet team’s needs and the requirements for the coming phase.”
Al Ain’s four registered non-Emiratis for the first half of the season also included Sweden No9 Marcus Berg and Japan utility defender Tsukasa Shiotani.
Mali defensive midfielder Tongo Doumbia was added as a specialist CWC signing.
