Relegation-battlers Al Dhafra have pulled off a staggering transfer coup after they lured ex-Al Hilal centre midfielder Nicolas Milesi to the Arabian Gulf League strugglers.

Milesi, 25, departed Riyadh on a free transfer this summer after two outstanding seasons since his procurement from Danubio. The Uruguayan won a pair of Saudi Professional Leagues, one King Cup of Champions, was defeated in the 2017 AFC Champions League final and scored six times in 59 appearances.

These achievements saw a number of Middle Eastern sides clamour for his signature when granted a release last month by the Crescent’s new management. But despite the Western Knights finishing one spot and one point above the relegation play-off places in 2017/18, they managed to convince the coveted free agent to ink a three-year deal with them.

“After a strong competition with local and other clubs, Al-Dhafra signed a three-season contract with Nicolas Milesi,” they tweeted.

Brazilian forward Ailton Almeida and Morocco centre-back Issam El Adoua are the only foreigners with the potential to be retained next term.

In the top flight since their January arrivals, Uzbekistan forward Igor Sergeev struck once in 10 matches and Brazilian counterpart Fernando Viana contributed no goals in 11 run-outs.

A change of coach is also likely.

Macedonian Gjoko Hadzievski completed his mid-season task of saving the club from relegation. This is not likely to earn him a renewal, with 2017/18 SPL Coach of the Year Vuk Rasovic, of Al Faisaly, tipped to replace him.