UAE Pro League transfers surge as clubs complete 14 free moves and chase marquee signings ahead of Sept. 28 deadline
UAE Pro League transfers surge as Sharjah signs Laba Kodjo and United adds Bandar Al‑Ahbabi; 14 free transfers highlight summer window ahead of Sept 28 deadline.
The UAE Pro League transfers market intensified this summer as leading clubs finalised a run of high-profile free transfers and strategic signings ahead of the September 28 window close. Sharjah’s acquisition of Togolese striker Laba Kodjo on a two‑year deal stands out among 14 players who moved on free transfers after their contracts expired. Teams across the league have balanced immediate attacking reinforcements with defensive restructuring as they prepare for the new season.
Sharjah secures prolific striker Laba Kodjo on a two‑year contract
Sharjah completed what many consider the marquee signing of the window by bringing in Laba Kodjo from Al Ain on a two‑season agreement. Kodjo arrives with an impressive scoring record in the UAE, having finished as the Pro League top scorer on four occasions and delivering consecutive high‑goal campaigns for his former club. The move signals Sharjah’s intent to lead the title conversation by pairing proven finishing ability with the club’s existing offensive structure.
Kodjo’s scoring pedigree — including 26 goals in 2021–22, 28 in 2022–23, 20 in 2024–25 and 25 in 2025–26 — gives Sharjah a proven focal point up front. Club officials say the signing is designed to add immediate firepower and to provide a consistent goal threat in domestic and regional competitions.
United signs veteran Bandar Al‑Ahbabi and international Willi Semedo
Newly promoted United announced several headline captures as it prepared for its debut season in the Pro League, most notably veteran Bandar Al‑Ahbabi. The 36‑year‑old leaves Al Ain after a 15‑year association, during which he made 256 league appearances, scored 22 goals and provided 60 assists, while also earning 43 caps for the senior national team.
United also confirmed the signing of Cape Verde international Willi Semedo from Amonia Nicosia, adding an experienced attacking option with European and regional experience. The double recruitment underscores United’s strategy of blending experienced leadership with foreign talent to establish competitiveness in its first top‑flight campaign.
Al Ain returns a young defensive prospect in Marcos André Maya
Al Ain strengthened its defensive depth by signing Brazilian centre‑back Marcos André Maya on a free transfer from Atlético Paranaense. The 19‑year‑old, a product of Al Ain’s own youth setup since 2022, stands out for his aerial ability at 195 centimetres and a reported 75 percent success rate in aerial duels last season. The club views Maya as a long‑term asset who can contribute immediately in set‑piece situations while developing within the first‑team environment.
Coaching staff highlighted Maya’s physical profile and technical comfort on the ball as reasons for his integration into the senior squad. His arrival reflects a broader league trend of clubs investing in youth prospects alongside established veterans.
Goalkeeper market reshaped with experienced free transfers
Several clubs targeted goalkeeping experience in the free transfer market, altering last‑line options ahead of the season. Ajman signed 33‑year‑old Abdullah Al‑Tamimi, who worked his way through the youth ranks from 2005, spent three seasons on loan at Fujairah between 2018 and 2021, and returned to Al Nasr before moving on. His track record of regular domestic minutes makes him a stabilising figure for Ajman’s back line.
Shabab Al Ahli added 36‑year‑old Khalid Al‑Senani from Al Wasl after the two parties agreed to terminate his previous contract by mutual consent. Hatta also strengthened in goal by bringing in Ibrahim Eisa, 31, from Al Bataeh, relying on his extensive Pro League experience to guide a squad aiming for immediate competitiveness.
Clubs bolster defences with experienced internationals and returns
Khorfakkan and Kliba moved to consolidate their defensive units with signings that blend familiarity and overseas experience. Khorfakkan re‑signed Brazilian defender Rafael Pereira, extending his long association with UAE football as he enters his eighth season in the Emirates. The return aims to bring proven leadership and continuity to their back line.
Kliba added German centre‑back Koray Günter from Saudi side Al‑Akhdoud after a season that included 29 appearances, one goal and an assist. Günter brings European pedigree from spells with Borussia Dortmund and Hellas Verona, while Shabab Al Ahli later announced the capture of Portuguese defender Jorge Fernandes from Al‑Fateh, further emphasising the league’s appetite for defenders with continental experience.
Attacking recruits and tactical recalibrations as September 28 deadline looms
Clubs also pursued attacking reinforcements to augment creativity and finishing options, with Al Dhafra signing Albanian playmaker Reji Lushki from Iran’s Tractor and domestic standout Mohamed Ibrahim joining from Al Orouba after netting 17 goals in the amateur ranks. Baniyas added Turkish winger Burak Inci, a 22‑year‑old considered one of Turkey’s promising young wide players, to bolster flank pace and dribbling.
Across the league, sporting directors described this phase as about finding equilibrium: integrating free transfers and marquee signings while preserving core squads from last season. With 14 players moving on free transfers already recorded, clubs are expected to make further targeted adjustments before the transfer window closes on September 28.
Clubs will monitor fitness, tactical fit and registration rules as they finalise rosters, with many viewing the closing weeks of the window as critical to their short‑ and medium‑term plans.
Preparations now shift from the market to preseason training as managers evaluate options and calibrate systems for the campaign ahead. Teams arriving at the season opener with a balanced mix of experience and youthful potential will aim to convert summer activity into consistent results on the pitch.