Abu Dhabi: UAE clubs are keeping a close watch on the ongoing Copa America in Chile, with Al Wahda the latest to be linked to a South American star — Jorge Valdivia from Chile.
Though Al Wahda are yet to give official confirmation, it’s believed to be almost certain that former Al Ain playmaker Valdivia will return to the Arabian Gulf League. He is expected to arrive for a medical test and sign a contract soon after the tournament ends.
The Palmeiras midfielder was with Al Ain for two seasons from 2008, while last year he was set to move to Fujairah, but the deal fell apart with both sides blaming each other.
Valdivia figured in 49 matches for Al Ain and scored 18 goals. The 31-year-old won his first title with Al Ain in 2009, when they beat Al Wahda 1-0 to clinch the Etisalat Emirates Cup.
Before that game, Valdivia was recovering from an ankle injury, but he returned and gave an assist for the winning goal. The same season, he helped Al Ain win the President’s Cup with a 1-0 final triumph against Al Shabab.
The Garden City club then completed a treble of titles when they won the UAE Super Cup, beating Dubai’s Al Ahli on penalties.
Valdivia was named the best player in the UAE league that season.
He was promoted to captain the following season, but after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Valdivia negotiated his release from the club.
He has been leading from the front for Chile in the Copa America, playing a key role in steering the team into the quarter-finals.
Valdivia’s main strength over the years has been his clever, perfectly weighted passes.
