Promoted Khor Fakkan spelled out their intention to compete in the Arabian Gulf League on Wednesday night with a trio of impressive Brazilian deals.
A quick-fire series of announcements was headlined by the news prolific Al Qadsiah winger Bismark, 26, had agreed terms. The peroxide-haired attacker struck 10 times in 29 Saudi Professional League matches last term as he battled, in vain, against relegation.
He is joined at Saqr bin Mohammad al Qassimi Stadium by Boavista centre-back Robson, who impressed in 2018/19 when returning Bani Yas swept to sixth. Atletico Mineiro playmaker Dodo, 24, will also look to impress in the wake of a solid loan spell at Fortaleza that contained five goals in 53 league run-outs.
The east-coast outfit claimed the First Division League’s title last season, earning a top-flight berth for the first time since 2008/09 when they were known as Al Khaleej. Paulo Comelli has subsequently been drafted in, with the experienced ex-Emirates Club and Dibba Al Fujairah tactician leaning heavily on his compatriots in the transfer market.
Veteran Iraqi coach Abdulwhab Abdulqader made way for the 59-year-old.
Bismark and Robson are travelling to tie-up their moves, while Dodo’s has already gone through.
Towering Ukrainian centre forward Miro Slavov, 28, and well-travelled Brazilian playmaker Rodrigo Souza, 31, will not be retained in the four-player foreign quota. Both players played key roles in earning promotion.
Khor Fakkan have also been busy in the domestic market. Additions include Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club forward Rashed Hassan and Bani Yas midfielder Ahmed Saleh Haboush.
