Al Rayyan sign Argentinian Jonathan

Doha: Top QNB Stars League side Al Rayyan yesterday signed a one-season contract with Argentinian striker Jonathan Menendez. Al Rayyan team manager and Media Officer Omar al-Azani said Jonathan would replace Moroccan attacking Mohsine Moutaouli, who switched to Al Ahli.The signing came as a big boost for The Lions whose Moroccan striker Abderrazaq Hamdallah, their top scorer last season with 18 goals, is undergoing an intensive recovery programme for an ankle injury he suffered towards the end of last season. Al Rayyan won the season-opening Sheikh Jassim Cup and also their QNB Stars League opener against Al Ahli.Al Duhail loan Ahmed Yasser to Vissel KobeQNB Stars League title holders Al Duhail agreed the loan deal of defender Ahmed Yasser to Japan’s Vissel Kobe. Ahmed was loaned out to Al Rayyan in last season’s January transfer window after he completed another loan spell at Spanish club Cultural Leonesa.The 24-year-old had displayed a high level in the AFC Champions League as well and that caught the attention of top J1 League club Vissel Kobe, who sought him on loan to assist the likes of Spanish star Andres Iniesta.Meanwhile, Al Duhail forward Ismail Mohammed successfully underwent an operation after he sustained a double fracture on his right leg during their 3-0 QNB Stars League Week 1 win over promoted team Al Shahania on Sunday. He will be out of action at least for six to seven months. Ismail was fouled in the 52nd minute of their match by Al Shahania’s Nadir Awadh.