Correa makes Al Wasl loan permanent

Dubai: Brazilian striker Caio Canedo Correa has made his loan move from Internacional to Al Wasl permanent, according to reports.

The 24-year-old scored 16 goals in 22 appearances at Al Wasl last season forming a successful partnership with Portuguese midfielder Hugo Viana, Uzbek-Brazilian midfielder Fabio de Lima and Brazilian striker Ederson Alves.

Fellow loanee Alves was sold to Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol by parent club Atletico Paranaense this week and it had been feared that Al Wasl would lose Correa in a similar fashion. But the club have finally confirmed his retention after prolonged negotiations.

“I want to thank Internacional for giving me many defining moments,” said Correa. “Now I’m going back to the UAE to defend another huge club, Al Wasl, with perseverance and dedication to always do my best.

“I’m looking forward to winning titles, scoring goals and putting Al Wasl where it’s supposed to be – at the top.

“I am extremely happy to be part of this family again. Thank you to everyone involved in my return. Sorry to make everybody wait for so long.”

Al Wasl now just need to replace Alves, after Viana and De Lima were also retained under coach Gabriel Calderon.