DUBAI // Fujairah believe the acquisition of Jorge Valdivia sends a statement of intent to the league as the club prepare for their return to the UAE top flight.
Fujairah, promoted to the Arabian Gulf League after finishing second in last season’s Division One, completed a one-year deal for Valdivia on Thursday night. Should the move prove a success, there is the option to extend the deal.
The Chilean playmaker, who arrives from Palmeiras in Brazil, forms part of an impressive Fujairah squad for the 2014/15 campaign, as he joins new foreign recruits in Ivorian striker Boubacar Sanogo and the Ghanaian midfielder Charles Takyi.
Hassan Maatouk, the veteran Lebanese midfielder, has been retained and completes their expatriate roster.
Fujairah have also bolstered their Emirati ranks, with the former UAE international Subait Khater, 34, perhaps the most prominent signing.
The capture of Valdivia is sure to attract the most attention, given his previous contribution to UAE football. He featured for Chile at the Brazil World Cup, starting one group-stage match and coming on as a substitute in two others, and spent two notable years at Al Ain from 2008.
He is given significant credit for guiding the Garden City club to their President's Cup and League Cup success during that time.
Fujairah, who are in the top flight for the first time since 2006/07, are excited by the transfer.
“Valdivia is going to be a real asset, a big move not only for Fujairah, but even for the east coast clubs and the region,” said Sharief Al Awadhi, the Fujairah vice chairman.
“It’s important from three aspects. No 1, he is an asset, a well-known player, and we’re looking forward to him making a difference for us. No 2, it’s an indication and a message sent to the federation that Fujairah club have come up and that we want to make sure we are preparing ourselves in the right manner.
“We want to send a message, also, that we are trying to take this season seriously. We want to have a presence in the league, to make sure we’re part of the competition and are competitive.
“No 3, which is the most important element for us, it’s a message back to our own team, that we’ve made it here with some talented players and younger players, but this is someone to unify the team.”
Al Awadhi praised the club’s committee for their dedication in pushing through the deal – it is believed to have cost about US$7.5 million (Dh27.5m) – and revealed the early activity in the market has been part of an effort to provide Fujairah the best opportunity to thrive in the coming season.
A fast start, he said, is vital.
“We believe you have your say-so in the first term of the league,” he said. “We are trying to prepare ourselves from Day 1 to be ready because there are a few games where it makes a big difference.
“We want to be as ready as possible. Many teams suffer from late preparation whether they’re in Division One or the Arabian Gulf League. So we’re excited about Valdivia’s signing; it will put Fujairah on the map.
“Many people are talking about whether we want to win the championship. No, the idea is that we have all the elements in place that say we’re coming to prove a team that comes up doesn’t necessarily have to go back down. We’re looking forward positively.”
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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