Arabian Gulf League club Al Nasr are making a statement of intent with some astute signings in the summer transfer window as they plot an assault on domestic and Asian fronts.
After the acquisitions of former Paris-Saint Germain, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace playmaker and French international Yohan Cabaye, striker Iury Lirio from Ukranian club Zorya Luhansk and Samuel Rosa from relegated Hatta, The Blues have signed up attacking midfielder Marquinhos Gabriel.
The 28-year-old Brazilian joins the Dubai club on a season-long loan from Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A champions Corinthians.
"Al Nasr has announced the signing of Brazilian Marquinhos Gabriel, on a season's loan from Brazilian club Corinthians. The player joined his first training with the first team, which is preparing for the start of the new season under Serbian coach Ivan Jovanovic," the club said on their official website.
"This concludes the contract signing of the four foreign professionals in the squad for the next season with Marquinhos joining his compatriots striker Iury Lirio and Samuel Rosa and French midfielder Yohan Cabaye," the club added. Gabriel began his career with Internacional before having loan spells with Avai, Sport Recife and Bahia. After brief spells with Palmeiras and Saudi Arabia's Al Nassr, during which he was loaned out to Santos, Gabriel found a permanent home at the Corinthians.
Gabriel will don the No.31 jersey at Al Nasr. Al Nasr have also stocked up on the local front with midfielder Habib Al Fardan returning to his former employers from Shabab Al Ahli, defender Mohammed Marzooq joining from Shabab Al Ahli, while exciting young striker Mohamed Al Akbari making the switch from last year's League runners-up Al Wahda.
Midfielder Al Hussain Saleh has arrived on a season-long loan from Emirates, while defender Mohammed Ali Ayed has joined from Al Jazira.
Al Nasr last won the League title in the 1985-86 season, with the Blues finishing runners-up in the 2012 season. Apart from the domestic front, Al Nasr will also be aiming to make it to the AFC Champions League through the play-offs.
Al Nasr finished fourth in the Arabian Gulf League last season.
By James Jose
