Baniyas closing in on David Trezeguet signing

The former France and Juventus striker will became the latest big name to join the UAE domestic league when he signs a one-year contract which could be worth as much as €1.7 million.

With David Trezeguet signed, Baniyas will have a formidable attack this season if they can keep Andre Senghor.
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ABU DHABI // David Trezeguet, the former France and Juventus striker, will became the latest big name to join the UAE domestic league when he signs a one-year contract with Baniyas which could be worth as much as €1.7 million (Dh9.1m).

Trezeguet, 33, is believed to have arrived in Abu Dhabi today from Nice, along with his agent, Antonio Caliendo, to conclude negotiations and have a medical, which would be the final hurdle to the Frenchman joining the rising side who finished runner-up in the 2010/11 UAE season.

He would be paired in the attack with Andre Senghor, the Senegalese who led the league in goals last season with 18.

Senghor had indicated a desire to join a European side, and the Norway club Aalesunds FK showed strong interest. Baniyas, however, was unwilling to part with Senghor.

Trezeguet arrives on a free transfer after parting ways with the Spain club Hercules, who were relegated from the top division. Before going to Spain, he spent 10 seasons with the Italian side Juventus, scoring 138 goals in 245 matches.

He also played with the 1998 France team who won the World Cup, and scored the decisive goal in the Euro 2000 final against Italy.

poberjuerge@thenational.ae