Dubai-based side Al Ahli have pulled off a transfer coup by snapping up Brazilian midfielder Everton Ribeiro, who has been linked with both Manchester United and Liverpool repeatedly over the last two years.
Ribeiro pulled up trees in the Brazilian top flight with Cruzeiro and was voted the Best Player in the Brasilerao for the last two successive seasons.
The attacking midfielder helped Cruzeiro to successive Brazilian top flight titles in 2013 and 2014, but rather than heading to Europe, has chosen to continue his career in the Middle East.
Ribeiro has penned a four-year deal with the Red Knights, who fought off interest from European sides to secure the Brazilian's services.
While no fee has yet been disclosed for Ribeiro, it has been suggested in Brazil that Al Ahli are paying around €9m to secure 60 per cent of the player's rights.
relatedNewsStory
The midfielder will play alongside former Liverpool winger Oussama Assaidi at Al Ahli, while the club also boasts two Chileans in Luis Jimenez and Carlos Munoz in their ranks.
Nevertheless, Ribeiro's switch to the United Arab Emirates to continue his career has come as a surprise for many, who had tipped the 25-year-old to head to a European club, especially following the player's admission he wanted to play alongside Wayne Rooney at Old Trafford.
The midfielder, who can also operate as a winger, has collected three Brazil caps since making his debut last year.
Like betting on football? Check out our sister site Inside Bet. Free bet offers, betting tips, betting facts. Visit Inside Bet.
