Sports Desk
Dubai: Al-Taawoun are moving to bolster their strike force ahead of the next Saudi league season and the resumption of the 2020 AFC Champions League, with a move for Australia’s Mitchell Duke following Saturday’s signing of Abdoulaye Sane from Sochaux in France. The Buraidah side are sitting comfortably in mid-table with six games of the Saudi Pro League season remaining, but have their eye on four games in 10 days in the continental competition, starting against Iran’s Persepolis on Sept. 15.
This season has been a disappointment for the club that finished third last time around. A lack of firepower has been identified as one reason for the relative slump, and with the refusal of Cameroonian striker Leandre Tawamba — top scorer last season with 27 goals — to extend his contract, Al-Taawoun have been in need of new signings.
If negotiations with Duke can be finalized in the coming days it will be something of a coup. The Western Sydney Wanderers captain has scored 11 goals in the 2019-20 A-League, despite the 2014 Asian Champions, who famously defeated Al-Hilal in the final, struggling.
“Talks have been ongoing,” an official from Al-Taawoun told Arab News. “Duke is experienced, can play in various positions in attack and is a competitive player. That’s why head coach Vitor Campelos likes him. He would be a very useful addition for us. He scores goals but also offers other things, too.”
The former Socceroos star is out of contract at the end of this month and available on a free transfer from the beginning of September. Coronavirus has hit Australian club finances and income from broadcasting is set to be reduced, meaning a number of A-League stars could head overseas.
“To be honest I have to assess my situation. I have a small family and with the difficult times, finance is an important factor,” Duke said. “So I’ll make my decision based on a few of those and we’ll see where it takes me.”
