Al Duhail Signs Tuta as Preparations for New Season Intensify

Doha, Qatar: Al Duhail has officially signed Brazilian defender Lucas Silva Melo, commonly known as Tuta, as the club finalizes its roster ahead of the new season. The Qatar Stars League (QSL) powerhouse did not disclose the length of Tuta’s contract, marking him as the latest addition to the Red Knights’ evolving squad.

Tuta, 26, boasts a wealth of experience after starting his professional career in 2018 with Brazilian club Sao Paulo. He later moved to the German Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt before being loaned to Belgian club Kortrijk. His transfer to Al Duhail has been confirmed as part of the club’s strategy under returning coach Djamel Belmadi.

Al Duhail’s Strategic Signings

Since Belmadi’s return to Al Duhail for his third stint, the club has made several key signings. Among these are Cameroonian international Jean-Charles Castelletto, Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, promising Algerian talent Adil Boulbina, and Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek. These acquisitions reflect the club’s ambition to reclaim dominance in the QSL after finishing as runners-up last season.

Last season, Al Duhail was coached by Christophe Galtier and secured their most recent league title in the 2022-23 season. The club is now gearing up for their upcoming matches, beginning with an AFC Champions League Elite play-off against Iran’s Sepahan on August 12 at Khalifa International Stadium.

Preseason Success and Upcoming Matches

Al Duhail recently concluded their preseason training camp in the Netherlands, which included a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabian side Al Taawoun FC. Goals from Benjamin Bourigeaud and Boulbina secured the win, marking the team’s fourth and final friendly match during their two-week training period.

Upon returning to Qatar, Al Duhail will finalize preparations for their championship matches, starting with a QSL campaign against Al Shahania four days after the play-off. In contrast, fellow QSL team Al Shamal also wrapped up their training camp in the Netherlands, concluding with a 2-1 loss to Dutch club Telstar. Al Shamal will open their QSL campaign against Al Ahli on August 14, after finishing sixth in the previous season.

As the new season approaches, Al Duhail’s strategic signings and intensive preparation could position them as strong contenders in both the QSL and international competitions.