Third time has proved to be the charm for Bani Yas after they finally secured the signing of long-pursued Australia defensive midfielder Mark Milligan.
The Sky Blues – who finished eighth in the Arabian Gulf League last term – saw two bids to sign Milligan fall apart in 2013 and 2014.
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But they have got their man after agreeing a two-year contract following negotiations with A-League champions Melbourne Victory.
The sides had been haggling over the method of payment since the $1million (Dh2.88m) release clause in his contract was met last month.
Those issues have now been resolved, allowing Luis Garcia to bolster his squad with the Socceroos’ leading man.
“Bani Yas Sports & Cultural Club announces the first signing of the new season after contracting formally with Australian player Mark Milligan,” they tweeted Tuesday.
“The contract with the Australian player will be for two seasons, who will add great expertise to the side.”
Milligan was integral to Australia’s triumph in January’s Asian Cup and started last week’s 2-1 World Cup 2018 qualifying victory at Kyrgyzstan. is expected to line-up alongside Spanish playmaker Joan Verdu, the only player likely to be retained from last season’s four-man foreign quota.
An approach has been made for Brazil forward Robinho, with other options also under consideration.
Elsewhere, Al Nasr’s assault on the top-flight title has begun after they landed Al Wahda striker Salem Saleh on a three-year contract.
The 24-year-old will boost ’s squad, as they look to build on last season’s President’s Cup and Arabian Gulf Cup successes.
The club also announced forward Jamal Ibrahim – who was on loan at Emirates Club last term – and goalkeeper Abdullah Ismail have agreed three-year contract extensions.