Doha, Qatar: Qatari teams have made significant moves to reinforce their squads, signing several international players ahead of the season’s kick-off which is set for August 9. As teams prepare to leave for overseas training camps ahead of the new Ooredoo Stars League (OSL), Al Wakrah yesterday announced that they have roped in Danish footballer Alexander Scholz from Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds. Scholz, who has initially arrived in Qatar on a two-season contract, joined the team’s training session yesterday evening.
He replaces Australian defender Trent Sainsbury, who departed at the end of last season. Al Wakrah, who recently appointed Spaniard Miguel Ramirez as their new head coach, will begin their overseas training camp in Spain on July 14 before returning to Doha on August 1. Al Wakrah will play against Al Ahli at the Al Janoub Stadium at 6:30 pm 10 days later in their opening clash of the new Ooredoo Stars League season.
Meanwhile, Al Ahli SC have been active in the transfer market, signing several key players to bolster their squad. Al Ahli, who finished in 10th position last season, announced that they have roped in Croatian defender Matej Mitrovic from Croatian side Rijeka. Vastly experienced Mitrovic who has earlier represented Belgian side Club Brugge, Turkish club Besiktas, and Croatian club Rijeka, has also played for the Croatian national team.
The 30-year-old Mitrovic will be a valuable addition for his new team as they seek to go up in the standings this ti.