Al Wakrah on Saturday announced the appointment of Spain’s Vicente Moreno as the club's new head coach on a two-year deal running until 2027. In a statement, the club confirmed that Moreno will replace Poya Asbaghi, whose contract expired at the end of last season.
Moreno, 49, brings with him extensive experience from both Spain and the Gulf region. His most recent role was with Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab, which he joined in July 2022. His managerial journey began with Valencia's youth setup in 1995 and has included stints at Guadix, Xerez, Gimnastic, and Real Mallorca.
His longest tenure came at Gimnastic, overseeing 147 matches between 2013 and 2016. He later managed Mallorca for 133 matches (2017–2020), Espanyol in 85 matches (2020–2022), and Xerez in 26 matches (2011–2012).
Wakrah finished eighth in the Qatari Stars League last season.
Al Sadd sign Uruguayan midfielder Soria
Meanwhile, league champions Al Sadd SC have bolstered their squad by signing Uruguayan midfielder Agustin Soria on a long-term contract until 2030.
The 20-year-old joins from Defensor Sporting of Portugal and is known for his versatility in midfield, with the ability to also operate at right-back. Al Sadd described him as “an important addition” ahead of a season that includes domestic and continental campaigns.
Soria’s arrival is part of Al Sadd’s broader efforts to ensure technical stability, with the club recently renewing contracts for several key players, including captain Hassan Al-Haydos, Akram Afif, Guilherme Torres, Pedro Miguel, and Ahmed Suhail.
The team will begin its pre-season preparations with a training camp in Spain from July 16 to August 4. Al Sadd clinched the 2024–2025 Qatari league title with 52 points, narrowly edging Al Duhail by two points. The team also reached the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Elite, exiting after a 2–3 defeat to Japan’s Kawasaki Frontale.
Umm Salal sign Ghana’s Michael Baidoo from Plymouth Argyle
Umm Salal announced the signing of Ghanaian international Michael Baidoo from English Championship side Plymouth Argyle on a three-year deal that runs until 2028.
In a statement, the club confirmed that Baidoo will officially join the squad ahead of the new season as part of efforts to bolster the team’s midfield options. The 24-year-old featured in 11 matches for Plymouth Argyle last season but did not register any goals. Despite limited playing time, the midfielder is expected to bring energy and versatility to Umm Salal’s lineup.
Baidoo’s signing marks Umm Salal’s first acquisition of the summer transfer window. The move follows the club’s announcement of the departures of Dutch forward Kenji Gorre, Moroccan defender Marouane Louadni, and French head coach Patrice Beaumelle.
Having successfully retained their place in the Qatar Stars League after a 2-1 playoff victory over Al Markhiya, Umm Salal are actively working to reinforce their squad ahead of the 2025–2026 season.
