DUBAI // Brett Holman says he would love to continue his career at Al Nasr, but the former Australia international says he has yet to open dialogue with the club about extending his stay with his current deal to expire at the end of this season.
Holman, 31, arrived at Nasr in the summer of 2013 on a two-year deal from Aston Villa and the attacking midfielder has proved one of the best imports to play in the Arabian Gulf League.
Last season, he appeared in all 26 of Nasr’s league matches, scoring three goals. This season, he scored five goals in 24 league matches.
Holman’s goals and creativity were instrumental in helping Nasr end their 25-year wait for a trophy by winning the GCC Clubs Championships last season and the Arabian Gulf Cup this season.
The club confirmed on Tuesday that Serbian coach Ivan Jovanovic has agreed a new two-year extension to his contract, but his captain is still waiting to learn whether he has a future at the Dubai outfit.
“I would love to continue with Al Nasr, but it is not my decision,” said Holman, who called time on his international career last year after 63 caps for Australia.
“You will have to ask the management about this. They have to decide whether they want me or not. Until now, they have not contacted about a renewal.”
Two players who are on the lookout for new employers this summer as Brazilian duo Luiz Henrique and Alexandro of Emirates.
The Ras Al Khaimah club have decided against renewing their deals and said they are in the market for “fresh blood to strengthen the team”.
Dibba Al Fujairah, who will play in the Arabian Gulf League next season after winning Division One, have released all three of their foreign professionals.
While Brazilians Rodrigo Careca, Renan da Silva and Felipe Barreto are on their way out, the club confirmed they are in talks with Tunisian coach Fathi Al Jabal to lead the team in the return to the top flight next season. Tariq Elsayed was in charge of the team last year, but does not have the required coaching badges to coach in the Arabian Gulf League as per Asian Football Confederation regulations.
Al Jabal was in charge of Ajman in the first half of the season before making way for Portuguese Manuel Cajuda, but the two could not save the team from relegation.
Al Shaab, the other promoted club, are also looking for a new coach after parting ways with Eid Baroot. The club have opted not to continue with the Emirati coach and have also released their Guinean midfielder Simon Feindouno.
Al Wasl, meanwhile, have signed midfielder Ahmed Al Shamsi on a four-year deal from Al Ain. The 27-year-old Emirati had spent this season on loan at the Zabeel Stadium and made eight league appearances for the club.
He is the second Al Ain player who spent the season on loan at Wasl to sign permanently with the Dubai club: Salem Abdullah joined on a three year deal.
In exchange for those two players, and possibly Hazza Salem as well, Wasl striker Rashid Issa is expected to make a move in the opposite direction to the UAE champions on a three-year deal after impressing with the AGL champions during a loan spell.
Another Wasl player who could be on his way out is midfielder Mohammed Jamal. The 25-year-old Emirati midfielder is expected to sign for Al Ahli.
arizvi@thenational.ae
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