Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Club’s extensive summer refit has continued with the exciting capture of diminutive FC Dallas playmaker Mauro Diaz.

Diaz, 27, has excelled in Major League Soccer since he joined from River Plate in 2013. He leaves Toyota Stadium with a record of 23 goals and 44 assists in 84 matches.

His new employers’ inaugural season was stunted by a misfiring attack as they limped to a distant fifth in the Arabian Gulf League. The former Argentina Under-20 international will be tasked with correcting this problem, alongside headline domestic recruits Ahmed Khalil – who returns to Rashid Stadium after a rollercoaster year away at Al Jazira and Al Ain – and Abdullah Al Naqbi.

Further deals are expected to be imminently confirmed with ex-Al Ittihad head coach Jose Luis Sierra – to replace Mahdi Ali – and Jazira’s emerging UAE forward Ahmed Al Attas. The former mentioned is also rumoured to be interested in bringing ex-Al Shabab stalwart Carlos Villanueva with him from the Saudi Professional League giants.

“I know this may not be the most ideal time to say goodbye, especially in a season in which we are doing so well, but this is a great opportunity for my family and for me,” Diaz told FC Dallas’ website on Wednesday when they confirmed the transfer. “I will always be thankful for everything.

“I want you to know you will always be in my heart.

“I want to thank FC Dallas for allowing me to be a part of its history and allowing me to wear those beautiful colours.

“To the fans, I want to thank you for your unconditional support all these years. I hope that the titles that we were able to win for you gave you all joy.”

Diaz helped Dallas win the Supporters’ Shield in 2016, as well as the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup that same year. In that campaign, he was named in the MLS Best XI despite suffering a torn Achilles tendon.

He leaves a side who sit second in the Western Conference. In 2018, two goals and eight assists were registered by him across 12 appearances.

These figures should represent a significant upgrade on underwhelming South Korean attacking midfielder Moon Chang-jin, who’s been allowed to depart for Gangwon FC.

Croatian forward Ante Erceg was moved on to Brondby and Senegalese centre forward Makhete Diop switched to Beijing Renhe. Only injury-hit Moldova attacker Henrique Luvannor is yet to exit from last term’s foreign quartet.

UAE internationals Khamis Esmail and Mohammed Marzooq have transferred to Al Wasl and Al Nasr.