Yo-yo club Ittihad Kalba’s frantic start to 2018/19 has continued with the addition of Colombian centre forward Tommy Tobar from Venezuela’s Carabobo FC on a free transfer.
The promoted Tigers – who have alternated between the top-two divisions since promotion was won in 2009/10 – have already sacked coach Jorvan Vieira and brought back ex-AC Milan midfielder Fabio Viviani for a second stint at the helm. This followed August 31’s opening 6-2 thrashing by Al Wahda in the Arabian Gulf League.
Croatia forward Antonio Perosevic’s poor early impression upon arrival from Puskas Akademia saw him ditched in favour of Brazilian striker Myke Ramos of MTK Budapest last week, also on a season-long loan. Nigeria midfielder Raheem Lawal’s broken ankle in September 4’s goalless draw at Al Wasl in the Arabian Gulf Cup then created another vacancy in the foreign quartet that well-travelled Tobar will fill.
The 31-year-old struck 32 times in 65 run-outs for Carabobo in the Venezuelan Primera Division. This followed 2016/17’s prolific stint with Al Shamal in the Qatargas League, where he scored eight goals in 10 appearances.
“Officially, Ittihad Kalba contracts with Colombian striker Tommy Tobar on a free transfer for one season,” Kalba tweeted.
This transfer is the 16th of the striker’s career. He’s also represented Bolivia’s National Potosi, plus 11 Colombian outfits – including two stints at Millonarios.
Tobar comes to Kalba amid a 12-game goalless streak. He will look to end this run when the AGL resumes after the international break on September 14 versus Emirates Club.