KUWAIT CITY, July 11: Kuwait Club has terminated contracts with foreign players for the upcoming season, finalizing a deal worth approximately $800,000 for Moroccan Yahya Gibran.

Gibran, aged 33, excels in the midfield position and recently trained with Kuwait Club during his camp in Turkey. He has previously played for Dibba Al-Fujairah, Hassania Agadir, Mouloudia Oujda, Raja Beni Mellal, and most recently for Morocco's Wydad.

His contract with Kuwait Club replaces fellow Moroccan Mahdi Rahma, who joined Al-Qadisiya after three standout seasons. Al-Abyad's roster includes Tunisian Yacine Al-Khanisi, returning from injury, Bahraini Mohammed Marhoon, Congolese Arsene Zola "Malik," and Argentine Sergio Vitor.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi, Nigerian professional Anayo Iweala resumed training at Sabah Al-Salem Stadium after his break. The team's training continues until July 18, when it departs for Bosnia for preseason preparations.

Iweala is the fourth foreign player in Al-Arabi's lineup, alongside Algerians Ahmed Khalidi and Sofiane Bouchard, and Moroccan Hamza Khaba. The club aims to delay signing a fifth foreign player until September, with Libyan international Omar Al-Khoja under consideration to bolster its midfield.

Al-Arabi is focusing on strengthening its midfield after bolstering its attack and defense. It has opted not to renew contracts with Algerian defender Imad Eddine Boubacar, Tunisian striker Ayman, and Moroccan midfielder Walid Sabbar.

Kazma renewed the contract of Algerian defender Reda Bencha, making him the fourth foreign player alongside Brazilian Rafael Guimaraes, Jordanian Ahmed Arsan, and Colombian Hancel Zapata.

The team is in negotiations to sign Saad Al-Rousan from Al-Hussein Irbid and Ma'an Clubs and the Jordanian national team. Kazma has also strengthened its local contingent with Mishal Al-Shammari from Al-Nasr and renewed contracts with captain Nasser Al-Faraj, Sharida Al-Sharida, Mohammed Al-Azmi, and goalkeeper Faisal Al-Subaie.

Hassan Musa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff