Arabian Gulf League: Sharjah set to sign Palmeiras defender

Sharjah's Brazilian influence could expand with the club close to a deal for Mauricio Ramos, writes John McAuley.

Sharjah coach Paulo Bonamigo will have a bunch of Brazilians to pick from his squad.

Sharjah's Brazilian influence seems set to expand with the club reportedly close to completing a deal for Mauricio Ramos, the Palmeiras defender.

The five-time UAE champions have been busy in the transfer market since securing in May their return to the top flight, with the new manager Paulo Bonamigo arriving in Sharjah at the beginning of the week to formalise the pre-season schedule.

Sharjah have already added to their squad Ze Carlos and Fellype Gabriel, the Brazilian striker and attacking midfielder, respectively, and have identified Ramos as the ideal candidate to lead the defence next season.

At age 28, Ramos is seen as a long-term acquisition. He has played more than 100 league matches for Palmeiras in the Brazilian top flight since transferring to the Sao Paulo club in 2009. He was part of the side that last year secured the Copa do Brasil.

The centre-back's arrival will be confirmed once he undergoes a medical during the team's training camp in Turkey, which begins today.

Sharjah have attempted to conduct the majority of their business early, with the club significantly strengthening their Emirati contingent, too.

Badr Abdulrahman and Abdullah Ahmed, the defenders from Al Ahli, have been recruited, along with Ajman's Saleh Bashi, the Ahli striker Ahmed Khamis and the goalkeeper Mohammed Yousuf.

Sharjah are also the first Arabian Gulf League side to begin their pre-season training, as the venerable club bids to restore their status as one of the most successful teams in the country.

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