Sport | Football

Khater joins Al Jazira on transfer deadline

Al Jazira displayed their intention to be among the contenders for the league title this season by snapping up Al Ain's Subait Khater just before the first transfer window closed late on Wednesday.

  • By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
  • Published: 00:30 September 12, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: AP
  • Subait Khater (left) has joined Al Jazira from Al Ain to boost their chances to take the title.

Dubai: Al Jazira displayed their intention to be among the contenders for the league title this season by snapping up Al Ain's Subait Khater just before the first transfer window closed late on Wednesday.

Khater, who was the goal scorer for the UAE in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier defeat by Saudi Arabia, was the last of the players transferred in the UAE.

No further details, including the size of the transfer fee, of Khater's move have been revealed.

This is the first year of the fully professional football league in the UAE that has been rechristened as the UFL or UAE Football League.

Clubs had until midnight on Wednesday to finalise any acquisitions and transfers before the new season commences.

Defending league champions Al Shabab take on President's Cup winners Al Ahli in the season-opening Super Cup at the Al Nasr Club's Maktoum Stadium late on Sunday.

Two more high-profile moves completed as the transfer window closed were Bahrain's Abdullah Al Dekeel signing for Al Wahda and Syrian outfit Al Karama's coach Mohammad Qwayed completed his formalities with Al Dhafra.

Exciting players

This season the UFL has attracted some exciting players with the likes of Rafael Sobis, Fernando Baiano and Jorge Valdivia joining the league.

Chilean Valdivia who used to play for Palmeiras in Brazil reportedly signed for a record 17 million euros for Al Ain where he will line up along with Brazilian striker Andre Dias, who transferred to the former AFC Champions last season.

Baiano had agreed terms with Al Jazira from Real Murcia in Spain, and Rafael Sobis became the latest sensation at the club after he agreed to a 11 million euros transfer from Real Betis.

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