Al Wasl’s Cuper places target on Emmanuel Culio

Argentine set to join from Deportivo, reports John McAuley, while Puch brought back into the fray as Dubai club are also negotiating with Al Jazira for Al Hamadi.

Al Wasl are close to striking a deal to take Emmanuel Culio from Deportivo La Coruna, a side in the Spanish second division, and hope to finalise the transfer this week. Valerio Pennicino / Getty ImagesShow less

DUBAI // Al Wasl’s extensive remodelling of their foreign contingent continues with the acquisition of Emmanuel Culio, the Argentine playmaker.

The Dubai club are close to striking a deal to take the player from Deportivo La Coruna, a side in the Spanish second division, and hope to finalise the transfer this week.

Culio is one of three changes within the squad’s expatriate ensemble for the remainder of this season, at least, with only Andre Senghor, the striker on loan from Baniyas, retained.

Edson Puch, the Chilean who joined on a four-year contract in 2011, has been recalled after impressing coach Hector Cuper in training.

Much like compatriot Luis Jimenez did at Al Ahli, Puch is in the process of attaining Palestinian citizenship and will therefore qualify as Wasl’s Asian player. He replaces Morocco’s Abdelfettah Boukhriss, who has returned to FUS de Rabat on a free transfer.

Wasl have already signed Yalcin Ayhan, the Turkish defender, from Ksimpasa in his homeland. He completes their foreign quartet.

However, it is Culio’s arrival that resonates most, especially as he seems set to take the place of Mariano Donda, Wasl’s influential midfielder. The club said a decision is yet to be made on the Argentine’s future, but there has been interest in his services, both from inside the UAE and within the Arabian Gulf region.

“Nothing is clear at the moment,” said a senior source at the club. “We have a game this week [against Sharjah tomorrow], so nothing will be decided until after then. We’ll receive a final decision from the coach in the next few days.”

Kaio and Milan Susak, two summer recruits, are still on Wasl’s roster, although Kaio has already been told he can leave on loan. A number of clubs in South Korea and Japan are said to be interested in the forward.

What is certain, though, is that Cuper is beginning to shape the squad to his liking after succeeding Laurent Banide in November.

Culio, 30, represents a known quantity, given that he played under Cuper at Turkey’s Orduspor during a loan spell from Galatasaray. His versatility – he can play across the midfield or behind the striker – was said to be key to the pending move.

“We’ve not yet finalised the deal, but we’re almost there,” said the club source. “Cuper knows him very well, and so knows his capabilities. He was the one he wanted.

“All the decisions were made by the coach in terms of foreign players, and he’s also been watching local players, too. We’re getting their CVs and decisions will be made very soon.”

Wasl have opened negotiations with Al Jazira for Hamad Al Hamadi, the UAE Olympic team defender. At age 22, the club’s technical committee see him as a continuation of their long-term project, which places an emphasis on developing young talent. They remain confident an agreement will be reached.

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