DUBAI // Al Shabab said Jo can fire the club’s bid for the Arabian Gulf League title next season, with the striker set to arrive in the UAE to finalise his transfer from Brazil’s Atletico Mineiro.
The ambitious Dubai club announced Wednesday they had agreed a deal for the former Manchester City forward, subject to a medical. He has accepted a three-year contract and should land in the emirate early next week.
Jo, 28, represents a significant coup for Shabab, who were seeking a replacement for Edgar Bruno after the Brazilian was released last month. However, the acquisition of a player who featured for Brazil at last summer’s Fifa World Cup surprised somewhat, despite Shabab routinely exceeding expectations in the UAE top flight.
Last season, the club finished third in the Arabian Gulf League – their best performance in the professional era. They also reached the semi-finals of both domestic cup competitions before sealing silverware with the GCC Clubs Championship in May. Next year, they contest the Asian Champions League preliminaries.
“We’re really excited about Jo signing, it’s a fantastic addition to the club,” said Obaid Hubaitha, the Shabab team manager. “He’s been a Brazil international and is experienced, having played for CSKA Moscow, Manchester City, Everton and Galatasaray. It’s given the club a huge boost and should be a good experience for him.”
Hubaitha said negotiations were swift once Shabab coach Caio Junior had identified Jo as his No 1 target. A fellow Brazilian, Jo has already visited Junior in his homeland to watch DVDs of the team and to discuss next season’s objectives. He also sent a personal video message to the club expressing his eagerness to join.
“He’s 100 per cent committed,” Hubaitha said. “He has all the qualities we’re looking for – he can lead the line, turn onto his left and right, is good with his head and has pace. He’s the perfect choice.
“Also, it’s a heavy name – everyone else was signing players, but we stayed quiet as always and then got Jo. We’ve had enough of being third, fourth, fifth. We need to go for the championship and so we needed a strong player to help us.”
Hubaitha emphasised that Shabab’s players and management must assist Jo in his transition to UAE football.
“We have a lot of confidence in him and have to put our trust in him to perform, but we’ve got to help him do his best,” Hubaitha said. “We know he’ll help us in the Champions League, which is also a good opportunity for him to show what he can do. It’s the top level in Asia and I’m sure he will want to prove himself there.”
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
