A file photo of Al Qadsia players preparing for a match.

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 28: With the winter transfer window set to open next Thursday, clubs are preparing for an active period, particularly on the domestic front, as several players enter the “free period,” allowing them to sign for any club if renewal talks with their current teams fail.

Among the players entering free agency are Nasser Falih and Talal Al-Qaisi of Kazma; Badr Jamal, Mahdi Dashti, and Fawaz Ayed of Al-Salmiya; Abdulrahman Al-Sherhan of Al-Arabi; and Saud Al-Qannai and Saad Al-Athab of Al-Shabab.

Kuwait Club was the first club to make a move, signing Ivorian midfielder Idrissa Doumbia as a replacement for Englishman Sam Morsy, whose performances fell short of expectations.

Meanwhile, Al-Arabi, signs point to upcoming changes among the foreign contingent, with Christopher John and Hashemi Fadiga the most likely to depart, while Nabil Marmouk could also be affected.

Al-Qadsia is expected to be the busiest club during the window. Libyan forward Mohamed Soula has already become the first departure, while Mahmoud Kahraba is also a candidate to see his contract terminated. Speculation continues over the possible exit of Congolese winger Neskens Kebano.

Jordanian international Ahmad Ersan tops the list of players with whom Al-Qadsia have opened negotiations.

On the local scene, Al-Qadsia star Eid Al-Rashidi has received several offers, most notably from Qatar SC, in addition to Iraqi clubs Al-Zawraa and Duhok. Rashed Al-Dosari has also attracted two local offers. Despite Al-Qadsia submitting a renewal proposal, the player believes the financial terms do not reflect his contributions.

Reports also suggest that Al-Shabab goalkeeper Saud Al-Qannai is close to joining Al-Qadsia, especially following the injury to Hamid Al-Qallaf.

Meanwhile, Al-Shabab has completed the signing of Estonian player Vastik Bogdan from the Slovenian top division, replacing Brazilian Kaike Augusto. Bogdan previously featured for the “Ahmadi sons” last season.

Al-Nasr, for their part, strengthened their squad by signing 19-year-old Syrian player Anas Al-Dahan from Al-Ahli Aleppo. The youngster was recently included in the Syrian national team squad for the Arab Cup held in Qatar.

By Hassan Mosa

Al-Seyassah/Arab Times Staff