Julian Ngoyi

KUWAIT CITY, July 29: Al-Arabi Club officially announced the signing of their fifth foreign player, Belgian striker of Congolese descent Julian Ngoyi, who joins from Belgian side Mechelen to strengthen the team’s attacking options for the upcoming season.

At 27 years old, Ngoyi is versatile, capable of playing both as a central striker and on the wings. His career includes stints in England, Switzerland, Turkey, and Belgium, having represented clubs such as Stoke City, Swindon Town, Grasshopper Club Zürich, Union Saint-Gilloise, and Kasimpasa. Ngoyi has also featured for Belgium’s youth national teams, including five appearances for the U21 side.

Al-Arabi aims to leverage Ngoyi’s international experience and physical prowess to boost its offensive firepower in the new campaign.

Ngoyi becomes the fifth foreign professional in Al-Arabi’s squad, joining French-Guinean Hassimi Fadiga, Ugandan Kenneth Ssemakula, and Nigerians Ayano Ewuala and Christopher John.

Meanwhile, with the departures of Hassan Hamdan and Algerian Sofiane Bouchare, Portuguese coach Marco Alves is keen on signing a new defender. Jordanian international Abdullah Nassib is reportedly on Al-Arabi’s shortlist for the position, though he has also attracted offers from Iraqi clubs Al-Zawraa and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya.

Should Al-Arabi finalize a deal with Nassib or another defender, Nigerian Christopher John is expected to leave the club ahead of the new season.

Al-Arabi is currently training twice daily at its camp in Abu Dhabi, which began last week. The team will hold a final training session this evening ahead of their season opener tomorrow against UAE side Hatta Club.

The squad is preparing for an August 12 playoff match against Maldivian club Maziya S&RC, part of the Asian Challenge League, to be held in the Maldives.

Before departing for the Maldives on August 8, Al-Arabi will play a friendly against the UAE’s Baniyas Club on August 6.

Coach Alves is emphasizing training in humid conditions to help players acclimate to the high humidity typical of the Maldives throughout much of the year.