Aimar deal dead as Ahli unleash ex-Barcelona boy

Al Ahli have ended their interest in Benfica playmaker Pablo Aimar, Sport360° understands.

The Dubai club had been keen to bring the Argentine veteran to the UAE, with Ahli's director of football, Roy Aitken, last week confirming they had been "in touch" with Aimar earlier this month.

However, despite reports that an 18-month deal had been agreed with the player, Ahli have now shelved plans to bring the playmaker to the Emirates.

Benfica had initially been open to Aimar's exit, but that stance changed on Tuesday after the sale of Brazilian midfielder, Bruno Cesar, to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahly.

A source close to the deal has also indicated that Aimar and Ahli could not agree on some "small details" in his contract meaning he is now likely to see out the remainder of his Benfica deal, which expires at the end of this season.

Ahli could renew their interest in Aimar in the summer when the former Valencia man will be a free agent, but there is unlikely to be any further additions at the Rashid Stadium this month. "That's us. We're happy with what we've got," Aitken told Sport360°.

Disappointed that Aimar won't be joining their club, Ahli fans can at least take solace from the fact that high-profile recruit Ricardo Quaresma is fit to make his debut for the club this weekend.

The former Barcelona and Chelsea winger joined the Red Knights on an 18-month deal earlier this month and is in line to make his first Pro League appearance against high-flying Al Jazira this Saturday.

"We go into the Al Jazira game with one addition - Ricardo Quaresma. He'll be involved at the weekend. He's fit and raring to go," said Aitken.

One man who won't be wearing the red shirt on Saturday night, however, is Achille Emana who completed his move to Dubai rivals Al Wasl on a six-month loan late on Tuesday night.

Ahli haven't closed the door completely on the Cameroonian midfielder returning to the club as Aitken admits there is no clause in the deal that insists that Wasl make the deal permanent come the end of the season.

 

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