Sharjah are close to agreeing a loan deal for Rodriguinho, the Brazilian attacking midfielder, as a replacement for Luan.
The Arabian Gulf League club returned to the transfer market before today’s deadline following an injury to Luan, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in last Friday’s win against Kalba. The Brazilian, a summer loan signing from Palmeiras, has been ruled out for a minimum of six months.
Sharjah then identified Rodriguinho as the best candidate to succeed Luan in the squad. The Corinthians midfielder, 26, has spent this year at Gremio, another Brazilian Serie A side, but it appears his parent club have agreed to loan him to Sharjah. Should he impress coach Paulo Bonamigo, there is an option to make permanent the transfer come the conclusion of this season.
Rodriguinho joins at Sharjah compatriots Mauricio Ramos, Leonardo Lima and Wanderley.
Midfielder Fellype Gabriel, last season’s captain, continues his rehabilitation from knee surgery but is not expected to be available for selection again this campaign.
Elsewhere, Ajman have re-signed Bakari Kone, the Ivorian, to replace the injured Karim Ziani. The Moroccan midfielder lasted only 51 minutes of last week’s 4-0 defeat to Al Ain, leaving the club one expatriate short for the season.
Kone, a playmaker who has previously represented French sides Lorient, Nice and Marseille, and several clubs in Qatar, spent five months at Ajman from last February. He helped the club finish 10th in the league before he was released. This week Ajman decided to offer him another contract.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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