Fujairah have signed Hassan Yebda, the Algerian World Cup midfielder, to complete their foreign contingent for the 2014/15 campaign.
The newly promoted Arabian Gulf League side announced the deal late Tuesday, with Yebda to meet up with his new teammates at their training camp in Germany. The details of the agreement have not been disclosed, although it is thought to be a one-year contract with an option to extend should the move prove a success.
The playmaker, 30, was released this summer by Spanish club Granada after spending the final six months of last season on loan at Udinese, the Italian Serie A side.
It is believed that the presence of compatriot Madjid Bougherra at Fujairah helped facilitate the transfer. Bougherra, Algeria's national team captain, joined this month.
Yebda was part of his country’s successful Brazil World Cup, featuring in the Group H draw with Russia, a match that sealed Algeria’s first progression to the knockout stages.
He brings considerable experience to Fujairah, as his CV includes spells in several prominent Europeans leagues with Auxerre, Benfica, Portsmouth and Napoli. French-born, he has made 26 appearances for Algeria, scoring two goals.
The acquisition finalises Fujairah’s expatriate roster for their first season back in the UAE top flight since 2007.
Bougherra, Boubacar Sanogo – another new recruit, who previously played for Al Ain – and Hassan Maatouk, the Lebanese forward, occupy the club’s other foreign slots.
Fujairah kick off their league season at home to Emirates club on September 15.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at SprtNationalUAE