A look at the main storylines in UAE football going into what promises to be a busy summer.
What will Shabab Al Ahli Dubai club look like?
UAE football was shocked earlier this month with the news that Al Ahli, Al Shabab and Dubai club were to merge, becoming one entity: Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club (Sharjah and Al Shaab also merged). The obvious path forward is for the majority of the new club to comprise staff from Ahli, with players cherry-picked from the other two sides to supplement the squad. Undeniably, Cosmin Olaroiu represents the natural choice as manager. However, discussions within the new committee are ongoing, meaning as of yet there is very little known about how the new enterprise will look. There is the potential, of course, for Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club to become the strongest club in the Arabian Gulf League. Everyone will be watching closely the developments.
Will Al Ain spend big in search of Asian crown?
Al Ain’s hunt for a second Asian Champions League title rumbles on after November’s agonising defeat to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. No doubt, the run to the final contributed to the Garden City club finishing a second successive campaign without any silverware — understandably, Champions League exertions took its toll on the squad. Yet the feeling was that Al Ain were only two elite-level foreign players from clinching the trophy. Through to this year’s quarter-finals, they have a real opportunity to finally emulate their vaunted side of 2003. Danilo Asprilla, Nasser Al Shamrani, Douglas and Lee Myung-joo will not continue, so this summer provides a golden chance to invest well with the Champions League in mind. Resources permitting, Al Ain need to be bold in the transfer market.
Can Al Jazira prove more than a one-season wonder?
Not that many expected it at the outset, but Al Jazira were deserved UAE champions, cruising to a first top-flight title in six years with two rounds to spare. Already, thoughts have turned to next season. There remains a doubt manager Henk ten Cate may not return, although it seems he will, but expected additions include Ahmed Khalil from Al Ahli and Lassana Diarra, the experienced midfielder with Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea on his CV. Jazira are also seeking an Asian player to replace Park Jong-woo. Next season, they go into the campaign as the team everyone wants to knock from their perch, while they will most likely have the Fifa Club World Cup to contend. Jazira must show they can handle the elevated status.
How will Prandelli turn around Al Nasr?
Cesare Prandelli arrived at Al Nasr this week, presented to the media at a lavish press conference in Dubai. The Italian certainly adds a little stardust to UAE football, given he is best known for leading his national team to the final of the 2012 European Championship. Yet his recent managerial career has not been successful: Prandelli struggled in Turkey with Galatasaray, lasting 147 days in 2014, while he resigned last December as manager of Spain’s Valencia after 10 only games in charge. Nasr, though, have recruited Prandelli to vastly improve upon last season’s sixth-placed finish. In fact, they are talking about winning a first UAE championship in 32 years. Again, sizeable investment is required. Considering his past few posts, Prandelli has much to prove, too.
Will Al Wasl hold onto Fabio De Lima?
Last season’s foreign player of the year was a straightforward choice. Fabio De Lima excelled again for Al Wasl, the Brazilian playmaker scoring 25 times, bettered only by Ali Mabkhout. Buoyed by his obvious talent, Wasl were runners-up, their highest league finish in the professional era. Without doubt, De Lima is the club’s crown jewel. At 23, there is still room for improvement, while he forms a potent attacking triumvirate alongside compatriots Caio and Ronaldo Mendes. De Lima’s stock is therefore high, within the UAE, the region and in China. He would prefer to stay at Wasl, should they open negotiations on a new contract, but he does have offers. De Lima would not come cheap, but Wasl’s resolve may seriously tested. They need to show their strength.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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