Umm Salal, a Qatar Stars League team, has recently signed Croatian forward Antonio Mance in preparation for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The 29-year-old will be replacing Lucas Joao, whose contract expired last season. Mance, who previously played for Hungarian club Zalaegerszeg, underwent successful medical tests before joining his new team. Umm Salal, also known as the Orange Fortress, is aiming to strengthen their squad as they look for an improved performance after finishing seventh in the top flight last season. The team is scheduled to begin their pre-season training camp in the Netherlands on July 17.
On the other hand, Al Gharafa has secured the signing of veteran Real Madrid striker Joselu to enhance their squad for the new season. The 34-year-old Spaniard, who scored 18 goals in 49 appearances for Real Madrid, is set to bring his experience and skill to the team. Joselu, who is currently part of Spain’s Euro 2024 squad, is expected to be a valuable asset to the Cheetahs, who performed well last season. Al Gharafa finished third in the QSL, and their main goal for the upcoming season is to progress through the AFC Champions League Elite qualifiers in August. The team, under the guidance of coach Pedro Martins, will be conducting their pre-season training in Slovakia from July 16 to August 1.
Meanwhile, Al Rayyan has announced the departure of coach Leonardo Jardim and is in the process of hiring a new head coach for the team. The decision to mutually terminate Jardim’s contract was made by the club management, and they are actively seeking a replacement. Reports suggest that Algerian coach Djamel Belmadi, a former Al Duhail coach, is the frontrunner to take over at Al Rayyan. Belmadi, 48, recently coached the Algerian national team but left after their early exit at the Africa Cup of Nations in January. Al Rayyan, who will begin their preparations in the Netherlands on July 10, are expected to make an official announcement regarding their new head coach soon.
In conclusion, the Qatar Stars League is gearing up for an exciting 2024-25 season with several teams making significant signings and strategic changes to their coaching staff. Umm Salal’s acquisition of Antonio Mance and Al Gharafa’s addition of Joselu are expected to bolster their squads and improve their performances in the upcoming season. Al Rayyan, on the other hand, is undergoing a coaching transition with the departure of Leonardo Jardim and the potential appointment of Djamel Belmadi. With pre-season training camps scheduled in various locations, including the Netherlands and Slovakia, the QSL teams are focused on preparing for a competitive season ahead. Fans can look forward to an action-packed season as the teams strive for success in both domestic and international competitions.
