Ins & Outs: Asia’s latest confirmed transfer news

August 6

London: Saudi Professional League’s Al-Shabab has signed Brazilian striker Jonatas Belusso on a one-year contract, with the option of a 12-month extension at the end of the forthcoming 2017-18 season.
The 29-year-old forward has had experience in Asian football having played for South Korean clubs Gangwon FC, where he netted 15 goals in 31 appearances, and Seoul E-Land 2016 where he scored four goals in 17 appearances.

July 18
United Arab Emirates’ Al Jazira have announced the signing of Lassana Diarra from France’s Ligue 1 Olympique de Marseille. The former Chelsea, Arsenal, and Real Madrid midfielder also wears the national outfit. Al Jazira secured their second UAE Pro League title, and Diarra will look to play alongside Ahmed Khalil and Sardor Rashidov who were also recently signed.

July 17

Ali Al Habsi has transferred to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal on a three-year contract from Reading FC ahead of the 2017 AFC Champions League quarter-finals. The Omani goalkeeper began his club career with Al Mudhaibi Club in 1998 before moving to Al Nasr SC in 2002. The 35-year old then moved to Norway to play for Lyn Football on a three-year contract, before playing with England’s Bolton Wanderers FC, Wigan Athletic FC and eventually to Reading in 2015. Al Hilal are scheduled to face Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates in the 2017 AFC Champions League first leg quarter-finals on August 21.