Arabian Gulf League: Al Ain open to offers for Omar Abdulrahman

Club will not impede on Abdulrahman's emergence while they expect Alex Brosque back in the line-up, reports John McAuley.

Al Ain are open to offers for Omar Abdulrahman. Mike Young / The National

DUBAI // Omar Abdulrahman will be allowed to leave Al Ain this summer should an offer arrive that is deemed beneficial to the player, said Mohammed Obaid Hammad, the team manager.

The precocious midfielder has for some time been linked with a transfer away from the UAE champions, and in January he reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign for Portugal's Benfica on a season-long loan.

In April, Abdulrahman said Valencia, the Spanish Primera Liga side, had sent delegates to the Garden City to watch him play for his current club, although Al Ain never confirmed the claim.

Abdulrahman, 21, returned to pre-season training on Tuesday night having taken part in a recent charity match in Saudi Arabia. The club anticipate he will continue to contribute significantly to their success, although Obaid Hammad insisted they would be receptive to the playmaker furthering his career outside the country.

"The club did receive a number of requests for his transfer and they were reviewed and discussed," Obaid Hammad said. "The final decision in this matter is at the discretion of the club's higher management. The club wouldn't stand in a player's way should the offer be beneficial to him."

While speculation regarding Abdulrahman's future is sure to continue, Al Ain are confident Alex Brosque will stay at the club.

The Australian enjoyed a fine debut season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions. Brosque arrived back at Al Ain earlier this week after he was allowed an extra week's recovery following an operation on a groin injury he picked up towards the end of the 2012/13 campaign. His contract runs until next summer.

"Brosque was 48 hours late to attend training as he had an appointment with his physician," said Obaid Hammad. "We haven't received any offers regarding his transfer and the club isn't even thinking about loaning him to another club or terminating his contract.

"All Al Ain players will remain with the club as per the contracts that bind them to the club. The team's star players gave a brilliant performance last season. [Abdulrahman] and Brosque are among the best players in the region."

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