Bani Yas secure signature of Algerian forward Ishak Belfodil from bankrupt Parma

Bani Yas have continued their impressive summer re-build by signing Algeria forward Ishak Belfodil on a two-year contract. Belfodil, 23, was available on a free transfer once he terminated his contract with Serie A crisis club Parma in May after they declared bankruptcy.

The Lyon youth product will now continue his career in the Arabian Gulf League, joining up with the Sky Blues’ fellow new foreign signings of Australia defensive midfielder Mark Milligan and Celta Vigo striker Joaquin Larrivey.

Luis Garcia’s men are determined to improve on their disappointing eighth-placed finish in 2014/15 with a complete revamp of their four-player foreign quota likely after also declining to confirm Spanish playmaker Joan Verdu’s will stay with the club.

“Bani Yas announces a contract with Algeria international player Ishak Belfodil officially for aperiod of two years, with a renewable option,” they tweeted.

“He signed with the club on Monday night in Abu Dhabi and has now travelled to Spain for the team’s training camp. The three foreigners officially signed up by Bani Yas are Belfoldil, Mark Milligan and Joaquin Larrivey.”

Belfodil scored one goal in 23 top-flight appearances last term as the financially-stricken Gialloblu limped to a bottom-placed finish. This was his second spell at the club, previously representing them in 2012/13 prior to an unhappy one-season association with Internazionale.

The 12-times-capped Fennecs international is likely to be deployed as a direct replacement for released Swedish attacker Imad Khalili, supporting centre forward Larrivey from out wide.

Meanwhile, Peru forward Jefferson Farfan is convinced he made the correct call last week to end hislong association with Schalke 04 and join Al Jazira. Farfan, 30, has inked a threeyear contract worth 9 million euros (Dh36.5m) in wages to join the AGL title chasers.

This finished a successful seven-year long spell in the Bundesliga with Die Konigsblauen with Jazira paying a 6m euro (Dh24.3m) transfer fee.

“I am happy, because I was successful in taking the right decision at the right time,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.

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“I felt happier when I was met by officials of Al Jazira with great hospitality when I visited the camp in Austria. I feel passionately a very great desire to join my new colleagues.”

Sharjah have completed their foreign business after attacking midfielder Maicosuel completed a one-season loan move. Maicosuel, 29, arrived in the UAE on Thursday to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms once a temporary deal was agreed with Atletico Mineiro.

“Sharjah officially signed with Maicosuel on loan for one season with the eligible option to purchase,” they tweeted.

He joins compatriots Wanderley, Renato Caja and Palestinian-passport holder Mauricio Ramos at the 12th-placed 2014/15 finishers.

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