‘Serginho’ replaces Do Carmo at Ittihad Kalba

Dubai: Brazilian midfielder Sergio Paulo Nascimento Filho ‘Serginho’ has replaced countryman and midfielder Sergio Antonio Do Carmo at newly promoted Ittihad Kalba.

Serginho, 24, joins from Brazil’s Bragantino, following spells at Parana, Gremio Barueri and CFZ.

Do Carmo had only recently joined the club along with Jordanian winger Ameer Deeb, French midfielder Gregory Du Frenice and Moroccan striker Nabil Daoudi. Croatian coach Dragan Talajic is thought to have made the change upon evaluating performances in pre-season.

Elsewhere, Al Jazira have replaced South Korean midfielder Lee Yong-rae, who failed a medical, with fellow Korean midfielder Shin Hyung Min, 26, of Poohang Steelers.

Al Wasl will also look to replace Omani defender Mohammad Al Shaiba as well as bringing in a new striker. Australian defender Lucas Neill and Moroccan striker Yassine Salhi have been cited as possible additions.

Meanwhile Al Ain are in the advanced negotiations with Lyon’s Brazilian winger Michel Bastos, while being heavily linked with Arsenal’s Korean forward Park Chu-young. These deals are expected to be finalised imminently in time for the Super Cup against Al Jazira on September 15.