Maradona makes his first signing at Al Wasl

The Argentine coach recruits national youth team defender ahead of his first season in charge.

Wasl chairman Marwan bin Bayat, right, unveils Mubarak Hassan as the club's latest signing.

Maradona has made his first signing as manager of Al Wasl, recruiting Mubarak Hassan, the defender from Al Fujairah.

Hassan has signed a three-year contract with the Dubai-based club and becomes the third signing for next season after Ali Rabih agreed to join from Emirates and Edson Puch, the Chilean international, signed from Universidad de Chile.

“We are reinforcing our squad to build a strong and competitive team for next season.” Marwan bin Bayat, the Al Wasl chairman said. “We are aiming at making our leaderships’ and fans’ ambitions a reality and that is by competing for honours in all competitions we participate in and achieving the best results.”

The capture of Hassan will boost a Wasl defence which has conceded 33 goals in the league this season – six more than third bottom Al Ain – and he looks poised to be capped by the national team in the future after winning call ups to the Under 17, U21 and the Olympic team.

“I’ve always wanted to wear Al Wasl’s yellow jersey, ever since I was a child,” Hassan said. “I’m very happy that such a great team sees my potential and I’m here to prove them right and fight for a spot in the starting eleven.”

Hassan is excited about the prospect of working with Maradona who shocked the football world by agreeing to become the club's coach on a two-year deal last week.

“I’m a very lucky person and I know many players who would do anything to be in my shoes and get the chance to learn and benefit from the best footballer of all time,” Hassan said.

* with agency