ABU DHABI // While the spotlight yesterday was on the press conference unveiling Diego Maradona as the new coach Al Wasl coach in Dubai, another South American slipped in to the capital last night to complete his move as the new manager of Al Jazira.
Alejandro Sabella will sign a one-year deal to replace Abel Braga and will attend tonight's final league match with Dubai at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium.
Jazira officials were unavailable for comment yesterday but Sabella, who led Estudiantes to a 2-1 semi-final victory over Asian champions Pohang Steelers at the Mohammed bin Zayed stadium in the Fifa Club World Cup in 2009, told Argentine media: "I have everything agreed with Jazira."
The 56-year-old could make Javier Saviola, the former Barcelona, Real Madrid and Benfica forward, his first signing, according to Maradona.
"This competition [for players] is very good," Maradona said. "In a way, I think if Saviola goes to Al Jazira, I hope he has nothing against us. It's always good to have players that have had a good career. His presence will motivate my players."
The possible arrival of Saviola would cast doubt over the futures of the club's three foreign imports, Matias Delgado, Ricardo Oliveira or Bare.
Delgado, the Argentine playmaker, would appear to have a long-term future at the club after Phil Anderton, the club's chief executive, described him this week as the "perfect example of who want".
Bare has two years left on his contract and is the club's second top-scorer with 11 goals. Despite finding the net nine times, Oliviera would appear to be the most vulnerable.
After being signed for €14m (Dh75,263m) in 2009, Jazira loaned the former AC Milan striker out a year later to Sao Paulo before recalling him at the start of this year.
Additional reporting by Ahmed Rizvi