Al Ain have completed the signing of Ryan Babel, the former Liverpool and Dutch international forward, from Turkish side Kasimpasa, subject to a medical.
Babel, 28, landed in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, joining the Arabian Gulf League champions on a two-year deal. He is Al Ain's first summer signing.
He takes the place of Miroslav Stoch, the Slovak who spent last season on loan from Fenerbahce. The club chose not to make permanent the move last month.
Babel’s acquisition will appease Al Ain supporters following a relatively quiet transfer window. The winger, a right-footer who predominantly plays on the left flank, began his professional career in his homeland with Ajax in 2004, when he graduated from the club’s youth set up.
He transferred to the Premier League three years later, going on to make 142 appearances for Liverpool. After three-and-a-half years at the Merseyside club, Babel moved to Germany’s Hoffenheim.
He returned to Ajax on a one-year deal in 2012, before moving to Kasimpasa. Babel had limited success for the Istanbul-based side and Al Ain have taken a gamble on his chances of proving a success in the AGL.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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