Bastos moves from Al Ain to Baniyas; Santos joins Al Nasr

Published: Thu 21 Jul 2016, 9:35 PM

Last updated: Thu 21 Jul 2016, 11:38 PM

Once Al Ain FC had Japanese League player Caio Fernandes sign on the dotted lines, it was clear that midfielder Fellipe Bastos was on his way out. The only question was where is he heading to?
Ending long-time speculations, the 26-year-old Brazilian has completed his move to Baniyas FC and inked a contract with the club.
Bastos had moved to Al Ain last summer and was deemed surplus to coach Zlatko Dalic's scheme of things for this year's Asian and domestic challenges.
For Baniyas, experienced Bastos bolsters the midfield that has recently lost a stalwart like Amer Abdulrahman to Al Ain. Baniyas have started training from Wednesday evening. Next up for Baniyas is finding a coach and club spokesman Hashim Othman Al Mohammed said that careful steps have been taken to find a person with experience and knowledge.
In another development involving yet another Brazilian player, striker Wanderley Santos has moved from Sharjah Club to Al Nasr.
Santos, who will wear 'The Blues' No.9 jersey, said: "I thank Al Nasr Club for showing confidence in me. I've always dreamt of playing in the Asian Champions League and today I can realise this dream with Al Nasr Club."
Earlier, midfielder Abdelaziz Barrada was signed from French club Marseille. Head coach Ivan Jovanovic is steadily firming up his Continental plans. On July 27, the Dubai club will leave for their training camp to be held in Poland.
Al Ain fly to Austria
Al Ain senior and U-21 players left for their training camp in Salzburg, Austria, on Thursday. They will play five friendlies with the tour winding up on August 15.
The 'Boss' tweeted to confirm veteran midfielder Ibrahim Diaky and right-back Mohammed Mohammed Fawzi will leave the club and were not part of the itinerary. Al Ain first team supervisor Mohamed Obeid Hammad tweeted saying that Bastos leaving the club and all changes were all done in line with ?Dalic's report.
Ronaldo joins Al Wasl
Al Wasl were having a busy day in the market by completing one international and few local transfers. Midfielder Ronaldo Mendes joined from Brazilian club Comercial, making him the third Brazilian at the club after Caio Correa and Fabio Lima.
In other signings, midfielder Humaid Abdulla Abbas is from Al Ahli, defender Khalid Sabeel is brought from Al Jazira, another defender Abdulrahman Al Ali comes from Al Shabab and goalkeeper Humaid Abdullah Al Najar is from Dibba.
Separately, Abu Dhabi club Al Jazira signed defender Salim Abdullah from Al Wasl and midfielder Humaid Ahmed is from Fujairah. - ashwani@khaleejtimes.com