Kalba Signs Ahmed Nourallah, Parts Ways with Besa

Kalba FC Reshapes Midfield with Iranian Signing as Italian Veteran Departs

UAE Pro League side Kalba FC has completed a significant midfield overhaul, signing 31-year-old Iranian midfielder Ahmed Nourallah on a two-year free transfer from Al Wahda, while simultaneously releasing Italian-Argentine playmaker Daniel Bessa by mutual consent after three productive seasons.

Strategic Shift Toward Regional Talent

The signing of Nourallah represents a calculated move by Kalba to strengthen their squad with proven UAE league experience while reducing salary commitments. The Iranian midfielder brings versatility, capable of operating in both central midfield and defensive midfield roles, with a reputation for scoring spectacular long-range goals and creating opportunities for teammates.

Nourallah's familiarity with UAE football, having previously played for Shabab Al Ahli and Al Wahda, gives Kalba an immediate tactical advantage. His free transfer status made the deal financially attractive for a club operating within the constraints of the UAE Pro League's financial regulations.

End of an Era for Bessa

The departure of Daniel Bessa marks the conclusion of a notable chapter in Kalba's recent history. The 32-year-old midfielder, who joined from Italian Serie A side Hellas Verona in 2022, delivered consistent performances with 21 goals in 79 appearances across three seasons—impressive numbers for a central midfielder in the UAE's top flight.

Bessa's release likely reflects Kalba's need to balance their foreign player quota and wage structure. Former Italy youth international players command premium salaries in Gulf leagues, and his departure frees up both a foreign player slot and significant budget allocation.

Market Dynamics in Gulf Football

This transfer activity reflects broader trends in UAE football, where clubs increasingly prioritize players with regional league experience over expensive imports from Europe. The strategy mirrors successful approaches by clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where familiarity with local conditions, climate, and playing styles often trumps prestigious European pedigrees.

For investors and football business observers, Kalba's moves signal a maturing approach to squad building in the UAE Pro League. Rather than pursuing headline-grabbing signings, clubs are focusing on sustainable roster construction that balances competitive ambition with financial prudence.

Implications for the Upcoming Season

Nourallah's arrival should provide Kalba with greater midfield stability and creativity. His goal-scoring ability from distance adds a tactical dimension that could prove crucial in tight matches, while his experience in high-pressure situations with larger UAE clubs brings valuable leadership to a developing squad.

The transition from Bessa to Nourallah represents more than a simple player exchange—it signals Kalba's strategic pivot toward building a competitive team through smart recruitment rather than expensive gambles on aging European talent.