Venezuela’s Rubert Quijada likely to join Al Gharafa

Doha: Venezuelan international Rubert Quijada is likely to join Al Gharafa on loan to replace Ghanaian Rashid Sumaila.

The 28-year-old, who plays for his native Caracas Club, turned down an offer from Colombia’s Bucaramanga as he was keen to play in the Qatar Stars League.

According to some media reports in Venezuela, the defender is worried about his family’s security back in his home town and hence wanted to move to a much safer destination like Doha.

Meanwhile, Gharafa, who finished fifth last season, also offered Brazilian international Luciano, whose contract with the Corinthians runs till December.

The 24-year-old forward was loaned to Spanish side Leganes, where his contract expired in June.

The club preferred to extend the player’s leave in order to reach agreement on his transfer while Botafogo already showed an interest in him.

If the negotiations between Gharafa and Corinthians succeed, Christian Nemeth’s departure is certain as team’s French coach Jean Fernandez expressed his desire to release the Hungarian and South Korean international Han Kook-Young.