Talisman Carlos Eduardo is poised to become the marquee capture of the Arabian Gulf League’s summer transfer window after Al Hilal agreed to an early termination and reports grew about a switch to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club.
Eduardo, 30, has won seven major trophies and become the runaway 2019/20 Saudi Professional League leaders’ all-time-top foreign scorer, with 81 goals in 156 matches, since July 2015’s arrival from Porto. His stellar achievements were celebrated wildly with team-mates after the final whistle of Tuesday’s 2-0 victory versus Al Faisaly and a grateful statement pushed out on the club’s official Twitter account, stating “due to his injury that needs a treatment and rehab program for the coming two weeks” and “to give him the opportunity to join his new club” an exit is granted with “15 days remaining” on his deal.
Al Iittihad newspaper stated the Brazilian midfielder is expected in Dubai “within hours” to complete procedures in time to be registered for next month’s 2020 AFC Champions League resumption. Al Bayan added a three-year contract, worth $3m per annum, had been agreed with the side who led the 2019/20 AGL before its cancellation because of coronavirus.
“Farewell,” Eduardo posted on Instagram. “Five years, seven championships (inshallah, eight), 81 goals, 20 assists, 156 matches and countless happy moments that I conquer with the help of all of you.
“It’s such an honour to be a Brazilian player in Saudi land and I have made this place my second home, actually my first for many years. I’m leaving but already missing you, but with the feeling of mission accomplished, and sure that I gave my best for this club in every moment.
“Hilal and the fans will be in my heart, thank you for so many beautiful, remarkable and unforgettable moments.
“Now I say goodbye, but first I thank God and I hope to always stay in your heart! Thank you so much and the dream continues! I’ll see you soon.”
Eduardo will be Shabab Al Ahli’s third capture of the window. UAE centre-back Khalifa Mubarak’s loan switch from Al Nasr has been transformed into a free transfer and UAE Under-23 centre-back Hamdan Naser previously arrived from Ittihad Kalba, but has been loaned straight out to strugglers Fujairah.
🎥 EDUARDO, EDUARDO, EDUARDO 🙏🏻💙#AlHilal #AlHilal_Video @c_edu3 🤩
— AlHilal Saudi Club (@Alhilal_EN) August 25, 2020
pic.twitter.com/sKPnhJRYIM
Tweaks to the four-player foreign unit, at present, will witness Eduardo replace Argentinian winger Fede Cartabia after a loan extension from Deportivo La Coruna was not completed. Moldova forward Henrique Luvannor has joined Al Wahda, with outstanding Uzbekistan prospect Azizjon Ganiev – who was procured from Nasaf in January – being registered, domestically, for the first time.
Brazilian maverick Leonardo and Spanish striker Pedro Conde, who netted once in eight appearances following a winter’s switch from Bani Yas, have been retained.
Rookie coach Gerard Zaragoza will begin his 2020/21 commitments in September 3’s Arabian Gulf Cup-opener versus Al Dhafra. They then travel to Ittihad Kalba on September 9 for their AGL commencement.
