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Al Hilal Push For Martinelli, Dubai Derby Sells Out And Khorfakkan Appoint Režić
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August 25, 2026
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From Al Hilal’s push for Gabriel Martinelli to a sold-out Dubai Derby and a new coaching change in Khorfakkan, there’s plenty happening across regional sport. Al Hilal are in talks with Arsenal over a permanent move for Martinelli, Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli are set for a sold-out clash at Zabeel Stadium, and Khorfakkan have appointed Krešimir Režić as their new head coach.
Al Hilal Push For Gabriel Martinelli Move
What Is It About
Al Hilal are pushing to sign Gabriel Martinelli from Arsenal, with talks underway over a permanent move for the Brazilian winger. BBC Sport reports that Mikel Arteta has made it clear Martinelli is not part of his plans, with the 25-year-old left out of Arsenal’s opening matchday squads this season.
Why It Matters
Martinelli would be another major attacking name for Al Hilal as they continue reshaping their squad. Galatasaray had already shown interest earlier in the window, but Martinelli rejected a move to Istanbul, while Al Hilal have indicated they are willing to go beyond the Turkish club’s offer.
What’s Next
CBS Sports reports that talks are progressing, with Martinelli potentially being offered around €20 million per year plus bonuses. For now, the deal remains in negotiations as Al Hilal try to bring another Brazil international to the Saudi Pro League.
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Dubai Derby Sold Out As Al Wasl Face Shabab Al Ahli
What Is It About
Al Wasl and Shabab Al Ahli are set for a sold-out Dubai Derby at Zabeel Stadium on Friday. Both clubs head into the clash with perfect starts to the ADNOC Pro League season, with Al Wasl beating United and Kalba, while Shabab Al Ahli defeated Khorfakkan and Al Dhafra.
Why It Matters
The derby brings together two of Dubai football’s biggest clubs, and the rivalry has stayed extremely close. Since 2005, Shabab Al Ahli have won 25 of their 63 meetings, while Al Wasl have won 23.
What’s Next
Al Wasl will enter the derby with new signing Mehdi Taremi, while Shabab Al Ahli’s squad includes Sardar Azmoun, Munas Dabbur, Federico Cartabia and Yahya Al Ghassani. With both teams on six points, Friday’s match is already one of the early fixtures to watch.
Khorfakkan Appoint Krešimir Režić As New Head Coach
What Is It About
Khorfakkan have appointed Croatian coach Krešimir Režić as their new head coach after a difficult start to the ADNOC Pro League season. The club sit bottom of the table with zero points after defeats to Shabab Al Ahli and Al Ain.
Why It Matters
Režić arrives with Gulf experience after previous spells in Saudi Arabia with Damac, Al Tai and Al Raed. His standout spell came with Damac, who finished fifth in the Saudi Pro League in the 2021-22 season.
What’s Next
This will be Režić’s first coaching job in the UAE, with Khorfakkan looking for an immediate response after opening the league campaign with back-to-back defeats.
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