Dubai: Al Ahli’s chase for a maiden AFC Champions League honour was further boosted with the news that Fenerbahce’s Senegalese striker Moussa Sow may end up with the Red Knights for a reported fee of 17 million euros (Dh70 million).
The 29-year-old has scored 51 goals in 102 appearances for the Istanbul club and had also been a target of West Ham and Sunderland till the Dubai club’s intervention making it the most expensive transfer in Turkish league history to be sold abroad. Sources reportedly said that Al Ahli officials were working overtime to complete the medical in quick time.
The Yellow Canaries released a statement on the official website and the stock exchange confirming that talks are under way between the two clubs. Turkish clubs listed on the stock exchange must release a statement confirming negotiations before disclosing financial details of the transfer. Statements regarding talks are often a formality before the transfer is officially announced.
Sow still had a year left on his contract at Fenerbahce, but Al Ahli reportedly activated his release clause. The arrival of Dutchman Robin van Persie from Manchester United and the presence of Portuguese duo of Nani and Raul Meireles reportedly also made Sow re-think of his future in Turkey.
Al Ahli were to return in training on Saturday after their 1-0 win against Naft, Tehran in their away quarter-final of the AFC Champions League last Wednesday. The two teams will play in Dubai on September 16 with a draw or a win taking them through for a spot in the semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Al Ahli refrained from confirming the club’s latest signing. “We needed a player of this stature,” an official, who chose to remain anonymous, told Gulf News.
“He will be a fantastic addition to our team as he has the experience to compete at a very high level along with Lima [Rodrigo] and Ahmad [Khalil],” he added.
The Red Knights had signed former Benfica star Rodrigo Lima last month. The Brazilian set up the lone goal against Naft earlier this week a minute after the hour following a corner from fellow Brazilian Everton Ribeiro.
Now with the likely arrival of Sow, things definitely look much better for the Dubai club both, domestically and at the continental competition. Ribeiro has been settling in well after his arrival during the winter transfer window last season, while former Liverpool star Oussama Assaidi can give the club an edge with his dainty runs down the left.