Awana, 27, had been expected to follow former club-mate Amer Abdulrahman to the Boss this summer. But he instead opted for a switch to the UAE’s other remaining representatives in the 2016 AFC Champions League.

With a quarter-final against Qatar’s El Jaish approaching, plus the smart additions of Sharjah striker Wanderley – whose deal is close to official completion – and Marseille schemer Abdelaziz Barrada, the recent Whites debutant couldn’t wait to get started.

“I thank the board of directors at Al Nasr for placing their trust in me and I hope to prove the worth of this good will,” he told his new club’s website after signing a two-year contract.

“I hope to meet the aspirations of the club’s board and its fans in the Arabian Gulf League and AFC Champions League.”

Awana scored eight times in 73 top-flight games since making his Sky Blues debut during September 2010. He was one of a handful of players to emerge with any credit from a frustrating 2015/16, with this form seeing him start the UAE’s 1-0 defeat by Syria in June’s King’s Cup.

A fierce battle now awaits to establish himself at the Blue Wave. Tariq Ahmed, Khalid Jalal and Amer Mubarak will provide strong competition for the two anchorman roles in coach Ivan Jovanovic’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, while Barrada should operate in the hole behind striker Wanderley.

Awana’s addition, at a minimum, should instil added quality and depth to a squad which appears much better equipped to scrap for a first Arabian Gulf League title since 1985/86.

Meanwhile, Cruzeiro have reportedly offered unwanted defensive midfielder Denilson an escape route out of Al Wahda.

Denilson, 28, did not travel with the Arabian Gulf Cup holders to Barcelona after being deemed surplus to requirements.

A season-long loan switch is close to being finalised with the Brazilian giants according to Superesportes, with an option to buy set at $2.5 million.