Dubai: UAE midfielder Omar Abdul Rahman moved to Al Hilal from Al Ain last week on a free transfer and not a loan deal as had previously been agreed and reported.
It was initially said that Omar would move to Al Hilal on loan for a period of one season after signing a contract renewal with Al Ain, before returning next summer.
However, it now emerges that Omar didn’t sign the renewal with Al Ain, allowing his contract to expire before joining Al Hilal as a free agent for one season in a deal reportedly worth €14 million (Dh59.6 million).
Upon the completion of his season-long deal with Al Hilal, Omar will again be open to negotiations with other clubs, not necessarily guaranteeing his return to Al Ain.
“Lending was the agreement of the player before leaving for Saudi, especially as negotiations were limited to renewal and then going out for a season,” tweeted Al Ain chairman Ganem Al Hajeri.
“Interest of the stakeholders however governed the conduct of the negotiations.
“There was no agreement on what was previously agreed,” he added.
“The contract for one season with the player was a free transfer, and who governs and determines this is the player and not Al Ain.”
Al Ain coach Zoran Mamic tweeted: “It is never easy for a coach to lose a player like Omar.
“On and off the pitch he was a great asset and captain to the team that won the double last season, he will be missed.
“But this is football and I am sure that with hard work on our side and of course support from Al Ain Committee we can make a strong team and achieve great results.
“Amoory, I wish you all the best, good luck in this new adventure and hope to work with you again soon.”
