RIYADH: It has been Saudi Arabia’s summer.
Winter’s game-changing switch to Al-Nassr by Cristiano Ronaldo was followed by a wave of elite deals.
Moves for Karim Benzema, Marcelo Brozovic, Ruben Neves, Riyad Mahrez and more transfixed global football, with rumour and excitement focussed on who would be next to join the Roshn Saudi League revolution.
Monday’s in-bound flight to Dubai, however, saw some limelight shared.
Shockwaves spread out after the surprise announcement was made about Andres Iniesta’s switch to Emirates FC.
Welcome #iniesta in #emiratesclub @andresiniesta8 @fabriziorom @liveherewego_ pic.twitter.com/Ak52cyEvNY
— شركة نادي الامارات لكرة القدم (@Emirates_FC) August 7, 2023
He of Spain’s winning goal, and unforgettable celebration, in the fraught 2010 World Cup final.
The humble icon imbued with otherworldly dribbling technique who became part of the best midfield football has arguably ever seen during 16 years and more than 600 appearances in Barcelona’s first team, then trod a familiar path to the J1 League for a five-year stint at big-spending Japanese club Vissel Kobe.
A reunion with Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba at Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami did not occur.
Neither was the stampede followed to Saudi Arabia. But in terms of stature, achievement, and star power, this blockbusting – and totally unexpected – deal matches any signed off over the border.
A succession of questions require answering.
Why has one of the sport’s all-time greats, seemingly decided to wind down his garlanded career at a promoted side in Ras Al-Khaimah, far away from the UAE’s political, cultural, and sporting centers?
What can Iniesta deliver at 39 years old for employers predicted to endure a season-long slog against repeating 2021 to 2022’s dismal last-place finish?
But most tantalisingly of all, is this the Ronaldo moment for the ADNOC Pro League? Could a repeat of the relationship formed between his legendary former team-mate Xavi and Qatar be possible?
This is unlike any challenge before accepted by Iniesta.
Emirates Club have never tasted top-flight supremacy. It is symbolic that their greatest glory in winning the 2009 to 2010 President’s Cup was recorded during a relegation campaign.
A pair of demotions have been suffered from 2019 and they finished four points behind champions Hatta in last term’s First Division League.
Emirati head coach Mohammed Al-Jalboot remains in situ. It all represents a new experience for Iniesta whose previous managers include Pep Guardiola, Louis van Gaal, Vicente del Bosque, Luis Enrique, Frank Rijkaard, and Juan Manuel Lillo.
Thirteen-times-capped Cameroon and former Al-Ahli defensive midfielder Franck Kom was Emirates Club’s marquee addition, prior to this week’s stunning events.
Ex-Serbia youth international Uros Vitas has added ballast, while 33-year-old journeyman forward Diogo Acosta continues leading the line.
Aged signings have come to be viewed with suspicion across the ADNOC Pro League.
Fabio Cannavaro arrived at Al-Ahli – now known as current title holders Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai Club – just four years after his lionized role in Italy’s World Cup 2006 triumph.
The battle-weary center-back made 16 league appearances before retiring.
France’s 1998 World Cup winner David Trezeguet made even less of an impression at Baniyas. A trio of scoreless top-flight runouts in 2011 was swiftly followed by an exit to Argentine heavyweights River Plate where vibrant flashes of old form happened.
Even Diego Maradona’s time at the helm of Al-Wasl in 2011 to 2012 is remembered for off-field drama, rather than achievements on it.
No one can match Iniesta’s profile in the ADNOC Pro League.
Solid, but unspectacular, business has been the division’s modus operandi this pre-season after a spectacular recruitment drive 12 months ago which also included Everton’s Allan, Villarreal’s Paco Alcacer, West Ham United’s Andriy Yarmolenko, Olympiacos’ Kostas Manolas, and Benfica’s Adel Taarabt. Sharjah’s Miralem Pjanic was seven years younger than Iniesta when plucked from Barcelona in 2022.
Few open foreign slots remain throughout an ADNOC Pro League which kicks off on Aug. 18.
It is likely, but not guaranteed, Iniesta will be the only such vaunted transfer to occur. Playful links to Eden Hazard from Al-Ain came to nothing earlier this pre-season, while budgets pale in comparison to the deep pockets of Roshn Saudi League’s premier outfits.
Confirmed deals have, instead, included Al-Wasl procuring Switzerland center forward Haris Seferovic from Benfica, while holders Shabab Al-Ahli have acquired Israel forward Mu’nas Dabbur via Hoffenheim, and Crystal Palace’s potent penalty kick taker Luka Milivojevic.
Last season’s Roshn Saudi League assist leader Kaku was snapped up by Al-Ain from Al-Taawoun, Al-Nasr expect Italy international Manolo Gabbiadini to ignite upon arrival from relegated Sampdoria, and Sevilla center-back Karim Rekik should help solidify Al-Jazira’s porous backline.
These are all recruits with far fewer miles on the clock than Iniesta. They are also designed to fuel title pursuits, instead of scraps against the drop.
How an Iniesta who turns 40 before the end of an initial one-year contract can aid this task is up for debate.
Diminishing returns is the neatest way to summarize his Vissel Kobe stint. Only two goals in 24 league outings occurred in 2022 – Iniesta’s lowest output in the Land of the Rising Sun.
These are not the statistics or characteristics of someone typically thrust into a dog fight.
Iniesta’s impact should, ultimately, be measured with different parameters.
He will not be competing for top scorer like Ronaldo at Al-Nassr, neither will domestic or continental trophies be expected like it was for Xavi at Al-Sadd. Mere survival will represent sizeable sporting success.
Ras Al-Khaimah has been keen to portray itself as an upcoming, sun-kissed destination. Significant tourism investments have taken place.
Iniesta’s presence will produce extensive exposure across traditional and social media.
There is also the tantalizing prospect of what the option for a second year could entail. Will Iniesta enjoy a bravura sunset for his playing days, or follow in Xavi’s footsteps and take his first steps into management in the Middle East?
This education carried the former all the way to Barcelona’s hot seat.
Emirates Club and Iniesta represent a bold union, cutting against the UAE game’s grain. The 2023 to 2024 ADNOC Pro League has just gained its major storyline.
