Al Ahli want a striker ‘who can achieve the team’s goals’, not just a high-profile name

Al Ahli don't want "big names", but players who will fit perfectly at the club.

At present, Ahmed Khalil, left, is Al Ahli's only recognised senior striker. Pawan Singh / The National

DUBAI // Al Ahli chairman Abdullah Al Naboodah says the club are not compelled to make a marquee signing unless the player is guaranteed to improve the team.

The 2013/14 UAE champions are in negotiations with a number of clubs regarding potential acquisitions this summer as they look to bolster their squad ahead of next season.

There could be as many as two foreign slots available, with only Everton Ribeiro and Kwon Kyung-won assured of their place. At present, the immediate futures of Oussama Assaidi and Ciel remain uncertain.

BAhli have been actively searching for reinforcements, but failed in their bid to secure Luiz Adriano earlier this month after the Shakhtar Donetsk striker chose to move to AC Milan. Ahli are still seeking a frontman, while they have also been heavily linked with Eduardo Vargas, the Chilean forward currently at Napoli. Vargas is thought to be considering an offer from the Dubai club.

Speaking to Ahli’s official website, Al Naboodah said the names mentioned everyday in the media are “easy to contract”, however he stressed that the club want only players who will fit seamlessly into the side.

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“Bringing professional players doesn’t necessarily imply big names,” Al Naboodah said. “We need players who are enthusiastic and determined and who are ready to sacrifice to uphold the team’s name. It is easy to find players, but we seek only those who can achieve the team’s goals.”

Ahli begin their 2015/16 campaign at home to Fujairah next month before taking on Naft Tehran on August 26 in the first leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-finals.

Al Naboodah praised his staff and players for their commitment to training since they returned to pre-season on Saturday, but emphasised they need to retain full focus ahead of the Naft Tehran tie. Ahli leave next week for a training camp in Italy.

Meanwhile, Sharjah have agreed a deal in principle to recruit Renato Caja from Brazil’s Ponte Preta. The Paraiba-born midfielder arrived in the UAE on Wednesday to undergo a medical before he is expected to commit to a year-long contract.

Caja, 30, has previous experience of football in the Gulf having represented Saudi Arabia’s Al Ittihad during the 2008/09 season. He then spent three years with Guangzhou Evergrande in the Chinese Super League, without making much of impact there.

Sharjah have two foreign spots to fill after deciding to dispense with Marion Silva and Rodriguinho following last season’s 12th-place Arabian Gulf League finish. Defender Mauricio Ramos and striker Wanderley, who scored 17 league goals in his debut season, have been retained.

Elsewhere, Fujairah have completed the signing of striker Christophe Mandanne from Guingamp. The 30-year-old Toulouse-born forward was recommended to the club by manager Ivan Hasek, who knows the player well from his time coaching in France.

Mandanne signed a two-year contract and replaces Boubacar Sanogo in the squad. He joins Madjid Bougherra and Hassan Maatouk as three of Fujairah’s four foreign representatives for next season.

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