Jires Kembo-Ekoko is likely to leave Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ain this summer after being told he will not be a key player next season.
Nigerian striker Emmanuel Emenike became the Boss’ fourth foreign signing on Friday following the capture of Brazilian midfielder Felipe Bastos and former Ajax and Liverpool forward Ryan Babel.
The Boss retained South Korean midfielder Lee Myung-Joo meaning the former French Under-21 international is likely to be sold or loaned out.
! Champions بطل! pic.twitter.com/ZfNzMzyrd3
— Jirès Kembo Ekoko (@JiresKembo_) May 10, 2015
Kembo-Ekoko scored 11 goals in 22 games for Al Ain last season as they reclaimed the AGL title from Al Ahli and won the President’s Cup.
The ex-Rennes man flourished in the absence of injury-plagued striker Asamoah Gyan but he looks certain to follow the Ghanaian and former Chelsea academy product Miroslav Stoch out of the Garden City.
Al Ain board member Mohammed Abdullah Bin Bdoua Al Darmaki said: “We always consider the foreign players part of us and our family but the coach has said that Kembo will not be a key player next season.
“He still has a year to go on his contract but he is required by other clubs. We are studying the offers. We always like to give the option to the player to choose what he wants to do.”
Al Darmaki confirmed Emenike, 28, arrives in the UAE on an initial 12-month loan deal from Turkish giants Fenerbahce and warned that he cannot be compared to the departing Gyan, who scored 95 goals in 83 top-flight appearances and won five pieces of silverware in four glittering years at Al Ain.
“Emmanuel is a very well known player. You cannot make a comparison between Gyan and Emmanuel,” said Al Darmaki.
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“Each one has his own qualities. Gyan did not play alone, he got assistance from his team-mates. We don’t want to get into comparisons.
“Gyan did not play in many of the important matches last season and the team has achieved championships. There is no fear about Gyan leaving. We have trust.”
Emenike was unveiled to the media by Al Ain at the Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium on Friday night, a day after the Boss also announced the signing of Bastos from Campeonato Brasileiro side Vasco da Gama.
The 25-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Gremio, said he was “proud” to sign for the AGL champions.
“I know that competition is strong, but I will work to show my best with my colleagues to achieve strong results in all the games that we are fighting for on behalf of Al Ain,” he said.
“I want to express my deep appreciation to officials in Al Ain and the fans who welcomed me and I assure everyone that I will work with my team in order to achieve the desired objectives of the club.”
