Olivera and Ibrahim to bolster Al Wasl attack

Al Wasl kicked off one of the biggest weeks in the club's history by signing Hassan Ali Ibrahim from Al Ahli.

The midfielder became the fifth Emirati player to join the team this summer when he yesterday agreed an initial 12-month deal that could be extended for a further year.

Edson Puch, the Chilean and another new recruit, arrived in Dubai on Sunday night along with Juan Manuel Olivera, the Uruguayan striker, who is expected to agree terms over the next 48 hours.

These signings come ahead of the expected arrival of Diego Maradona this weekend to take up his role as the head coach.

Olivera, 29, will have a medical today and is due to sign on at the Dubai side for the next two seasons.

And the final foreign signing could be the Argentine playmaker Mariano Donda of Godoy Cruz, another favourite of Maradona.

Wasl say they would not only ensure they brought in top quality overseas players, but would also sign the best local talent.

"We have had our eyes on Hassan Ali for quite some time as he is a very talented player, and we are happy to have him finally join our team," Sweidan Al Naboodah, the Wasl vice-chairman, said. "We have faith in all of our Emirati players, along with the entire team, for their hand-picked talent that will come together in perfect harmony out there on the pitch, under the inspiring management of Diego Maradona."

Ibrahim said: "While Al Ahli club will always have a special place in my heart, I am ready and eager to take on the amazing opportunity to work under the management of one of the greatest footballers of our time with one of the biggest clubs in the UAE."

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