The Arabian Gulf League was a typically busy place this past month, with the winter transfer market open for business. Here are eight of the most high-profile acquisitions.
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DOUGLAS (AL AIN)
After deciding to dispense with Nigerian forward Emmanuel Emenike, the UAE champions moved for one of the most prolific strikers in Japan last season. Douglas, 28, spent the year on loan at Sanfrecce Hiroshima from Tokushima Vortis, scoring 21 times to fire his side to the J-League title. Signed a two-and-a-half-year contract, scoring on debut against Al Wasl.
DANILO ASPRILLA (AL AIN)
The little known Colombian winger, 27, was recruited as a replacement for Ryan Babel, whose disappointing time in the UAE looks set to end. Bought from Bulgaria’s Litex Lovech, where he scored 23 goals in 60 league matches, Asprilla signed for two-and-a-half years. Took no time to prove his credentials, grabbing a fantastic last-minute winner on debut against Al Dhafra.
KHAMIS ESMAIL (AL AHLI)
One of the UAE national team’s most talented players, the midfielder swapped Al Jazira for Ahli in a deal reported to be worth Dh60 million. Esmail, 26, is controlled but combative, and possesses a thunderbolt of a shot, as evidenced by his first goal for the club, against Emirates. Keeping him fit is the concern, though. Signed for three years.
KENWYNE JONES (AL JAZIRA)
With 2014/15 AGL top scorer Mirko Vucinic ruled out until the end of the season, Jazira opted for the imposing Trinidad and Tobago captain. A former Premier League striker with Stoke City and Sunderland, Jones, 31, joined on a short-term loan from English Championship side Cardiff City. Scored his first goal for the Abu Dhabi club in the 1-1 draw with Sharjah.
ANGEL LAFITA (AL JAZIRA)
The experienced Spaniard, 31, has been brought to Jazira from the Primera Liga’s Getafe to add width and supply crosses for fellow new signing Jones. Comfortable on either flank, Lafita is a powerful winger who began his career at Real Zaragoza before moving to Deportivo La Coruna and then returning to his former club. Eventually signed from Getafe on two-and-a-half-year deal.
ROGERINHO (AL WASL)
Wasl’s decision to replace Edgar Bruno came as a surprise, with the Brazilian replaced by compatriot Rogerinho, who signed on a temporary deal from Kuwait SC until the end of the season. The former Atletico Paranaense frontman, 28, scored 43 goals in 77 Kuwaiti top-flight matches, while when on loan at Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab he helped the club lift the 2014 Saudi Super Cup.
JUNINHO POTIGUAR (AL SHABAB)
Despite 16 goals this season, Shabab chose not to continue with former Brazil international Jo. In his place comes countryman Juninho, 25, joining on a five-month loan deal from Moldova’s Sheriff Tiraspol. An ex-teammate of Henrique Luvannor, the right-wing forward will give the Dubai club pace and width. Juninho scored 20 goals in 39 league matches in Moldova, helping Sheriff lift the 2013/14 top-flight title.
RIM CHANG-WOO (AL WAHDA)
Adding to the strong South Korean contingent in the AGL, Rim arrived in the UAE from K-League side Ulsan Hyundai. The versatile defender, 23, was last year called up to the South Korea national team. Replaces Hussain Fadhel at Wahda, signing until 2018. Made debut in the defeat at Al Shabab and can play at right-back or in central defence.
