Al Dhafra have begun the summer rebuild of their squad by signing Jorge Luna from Santiago Wanderers in Chile.
The Argentine midfielder, 28, has previously played for clubs in his homeland, most recently spending the 2013/14 campaign with Estudiantes.
He agreed to a two-year contract with Dhafra, where he will wear the No 10 shirt for the 2015/16 season.
Luna enjoyed a prolific 12 months with Santiago – originally on loan – scoring 14 goals in 32 appearances.
Last season he helped the capital club finish second in the Chilean Primera Division’s Apertura.
Luna’s capture marks the start of what should be a busy period for Dhafra, as the Western Region side are still in the market for another two foreign players.
This week they confirmed the release of Moroccan midfielder Youssef Kaddioui, Lebanese centre-back Bilal Najjarine and Humam Tariq, the Iraqi playmaker whose six-month loan spell has not been renewed.
Tariq will return to Al Ahli.
Dhafra plan to retain Makhete Diop, the Senegalese striker, who has scored 52 goals in 72 Arabian Gulf League matches since joining three seasons ago.
Al Nasr, Baniyas and several clubs in Saudi Arabia had registered an interest in acquiring Diop, but Dhafra expect him to remain there next season.
His deal runs until 2016.
Dhafra are also seeking to strengthen their local contingent and have reportedly approached Al Jazira with a formal offer for midfielder Yaqoub Al Hosani.
Last season, Dhafra finished 11th in the league but did reach the President’s Cup semi-finals.
They have already renewed coach Laurent Banide’s contract.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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