Arabian Gulf League champions Al Ahli expect to complete their stunning swoop for Brazil star Everton Ribeiro “within the next 24 hours.”

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Ribeiro, 25, was pictured arriving in Dubai on Thursday to put the finishing touches to his move from Cruzeiro. The playmaker has now consented to a four-year contract, with an official announcement to follow once all the documentation is completed.

Details of the arrangement have not been made public yet, though a €9 million (Dhs 37m) fee  for 60 percent of the player’s transfer rights was reported in the Brazilian media.

“Everton arrived in Dubai in the last few days and we are confident that something will be announced within 24 hours,” a senior Ahli source said.

“A four-year deal has been agreed.”

The Red Knights fought off reported interest from Serie A giants AC Milan in the player, who has been heavily recruited by numerous European clubs since his breakout 2013 campaign.

Ribeiro has been the shining light in the Cruzeiro team that has lifted the last two Brasileirao titles, being named Premio Craque do Brasileirao (Brazilian Player of the Year) in both seasons.

 

He has made three appearances for the Selecao since being handed his international debut off the substitute’s bench in September’s 1-0 friendly win against Colombia.

Manchester United were linked last term, with Ligue 1 upstarts Monaco also attempting to recruit him in previous windows.

The new purchase means that Ahli now hold five foreign players, one outside the regulated quota. No definite decision has been made by the management and coaching staff yet on who will make way for their new signing despite repeated rumours linking club captain Grafite with the exit door.

Ribeiro will be the second eye-catching recruit for Ahli in the winter transfer market after signing Morocco winger Oussama Assaidi from Liverpool. Ahli hope the pair will add much-needed creativity and youth to a team that has gone from treble winners to sixth place in the Arabian Gulf League table.

 

Assaidi has already showed signs of the ingenuity he will provide, a video clip being posted on the Red Knights Twitter account of his mesmorising dribbling skills during Friday’s friendly loss to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.

Cosmin Olaroiu’s charges resume their stuttering AGL campaign with the visit of relegation-threatened Sharjah to Rashid Stadium on Wednesday. It is hoped that Ribeiro will be registered in time to make his debut.