Dubai: Al Wasl have completed the signing of Uruguayan player Juan Manuel Olivera from Atletico Penarol on a one-year deal.
Olivera is now the third foreign player for Al Wasl alongside the Chilean, Edson Puch, and Omani defender, Mohammad Al Shaiba, while coach Diego Maradona is still trying to wrestle Mariano Donda from the grips of Argentina's Godoy Cruz.
Al Wasl Football Company Chairman, Marwan Bin Byat, said: "We are happy about signing Olivera who is a strong player and is expected to be a valuable addition to our striking force. He has played for various teams and has always made an impact with his goal-scoring abilities. Having experienced players like Olivera is definitely a benefit that will help us to achieve our objectives for next season."
Bin Byat added: "We have full trust in Maradona's decisions and he has our full support. We are very anxious to complete the squad and start competing in next season's championship."
The 30-year-old striker, Juan Manuel Olivera, is known for his height and strength and incredible heading ability. He started his professional career in 2001 with Uruguayan side Danubio where he scored 39 goals in 109 appearances over a period of three seasons before being loaned to San Lorenzo in Argentina and then sold to Mexican side Cruz Azul.
In 2009, Olivera joined his current teammate in Al Wasl, Edson Puch, at Universidad de Chile where he impressed after a great performance that made him top scorer in the Chilean league with 16 goals and a total of 37 goals in 42 matches. Before joining Al Wasl, Olivera was a key player in Uruguayan club Atletico Penarol after leading his team to the finals of the Copa Libertadores and scoring 5 goals in 11 matches.
The Al Wasl's first team squad started their pre-season preparations last week and have been training under the guidance of the club's assistant and fitness coaches. The team will resume training today at the club premises after having taken the day off Tuesday.
