This has been the most entertaining summer in Arabian Gulf League history. Nearly every day, another outlandish transfer rumour, some of which become reality.
Jorge Valdivia, “The Magician”? Now you see him, now you don’t. Fujairah had him, lost him, might still get him.
Robinho? Al Ahli and Al Jazira allegedly sniffing around. Madjid Bougherra, the Algeria captain? A done deal, actually, with Fujairah, the little guys who punch above their weight.
Asamoah Gyan with a contract extension from Al Ain to the summer of 2018, by which time he might be up near a double century of goals. Jorginho, Al Wasl’s 14th coach since 2008, linked with a move back to Brazil to become an assistant to Dunga, the new national coach. Not happening, but fun to talk about.
Jazira capturing Mirko Vucinic, a man with 101 Serie A goals, 21 of them for Juventus. Habib Fardan, the UAE international, shifting from Al Nasr to Jazira for Dh40 million? Or is Ahli in there again?
Rashid Essa loaned from Wasl to Al Ain, where seemingly half the UAE national team have gathered. Baniyas pursuing Hamdan Al Kamali, previously thought to be an Al Wahda defender for life. Neil Lennon, former Celtic coach, possibly headed for Al Shabab.
Paulo Bonamigo collecting Brazilians at Sharjah, Promoted Kalba, reeling in Thaer Bawab, a forward formerly on the books of both Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ajman hiring a Tunisian coach, Emirates and Dhafra waiting for the big guys to settle on their expat foursomes, ready to swoop on those made redundant.
Never a dull day in the AGL. Rarely a dull moment.
poberjuerge@thenational.ae
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