Ekoko set to join Bani Yas

Abu Dhabi - Ekoko, who formed a formidable partnership with Asamoah Gyan, Omar Abdulrahman, Miroslav Stoch as well as Ibrahim Diaky, last term was being off-loaded by the Garden City club.

By James Jose/Senior Reporter

Published: Mon 3 Aug 2015, 10:40 PM

Bani Yas have reportedly signed Congo striker Jires Kembo-Ekoko from Al Ain but the player has denied it.
The 27-year-old, who still has a year left on his contract, was deemed surplus to requirements at 'The Boss' following the arrivals of Ryan Babel, Fellipe Bastos and Emmanuel Emenike.
Ekoko, who formed a formidable partnership with Asamoah Gyan, Omar Abdulrahman, Miroslav Stoch as well as Ibrahim Diaky, last term was being off-loaded by the Garden City club.
He is reported to have been handed a one-year deal by the Sky Blues and will join Australian international Mark Milligan, Argentine striker Joaquin Larrivey and Algerian winger Ishak Belfodil, at the Al Shamkha club. Ekoko will replace Spanish midfielder Joan Verdu.
Bani Yas and Al Ain did not comment on it but Ekoko said on his Twitter account that he had not signed with Bani Yas. "I did not sign with Bani Yas," Ekoko said on Sunday.
"When I sign somewhere I will let you know. I'm still in Al Ain #lovefootball #always smile God is wonderful," he added.
Ekoko was previously linked to Emirates but the loan deal didn't go through. He was also reportedly courted by Al Wasl as well with Bani Yas coming into the fray.
Ekoko, who began his career at French club Rennes, joined Al Ain in 2012. He spent a season on loan with Qatari club El Jaish in 2013-14 before returning to Al Ain. Ekoko won two Arabian Gulf League titles with the club.
Al Ain have retained only their Asian player Lee Myung Joo. Meanwhile, Bani Yas off-loaded Argentine striker Denis Stracqualursi, Spaniard Angel Dealbert and Palestine Imad AQ Khalili.
james@khaleejtimes.com