Al Wahda snap up Gabon international Mouloungui

Abu Dhabi Al Wahda have wasted no time in making a move in the transfer market, announcing the signing of Gabon international Eric Mouloungui on a free transfer from French club Nice on Thursday.

The 14-times capped midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the Etisalat Pro League club after turning down offers to stay in Europe as he wanted to move to Abu Dhabi.

“I had offers from Russia, France and Qatar. But I am keen to play in a city which is comfortable. I am also close to my home country,” said the 28-year-old, who is married with a son.

Al Wahda are replacing their entire quartet of foreign players for next season and Mouloungui is the first to sign. They have also zeroed in on Jordan international Anas Bani Yaseen, a defender who will fill their Asian professional’s slot.

That leaves the former champions, who have confirmed Branko Ivankovic will replace Austrian Josef Hickersberger as coach, to hunt for two more foreign stars as they look to rebuild their side.

Meanwhile Al Ain, who will be crowned UAE Pro League champions on Friday night, have given contract extensions to six of their UAE players - national team defender Fares Jumaa, Fawzi Fayez, Salem Abdulla, Musalam Fayez, Abdulla Sultan and Mohammad Salem Al Saadi.

The champions have also given a professional contract to their 18-year-old youth team player Mohammad Abdul Salam. The contracts for the seven Emirati players range from between three to five years.