Relegation-threatened Al Shaab have released their Brazilian duo of Rodrigo Vergilio and Rodrigo Souza Silva, and brought in two experienced foreign professionals to bolster their fight for Pro League survival.
Noel Kaseke, a Zimbabwe international, and Portuguese attacking midfielder Filipe Teixeira have been added to Marius Sumudica's squad as the Sharjah-based team prepare for the second half of the Pro League, which starts on Saturday.
Shaab travel to face Dubai on Sunday.
Shaab, who returned to the top division through September's play-offs, are 12th in the league table, level on seven points with Kalba and just three ahead of bottom-placed Dibba Al Fujairah.
Vergilio and Silva had worked well together for Shaab in the first half of the league, contributing nine and three goals respectively, but the team's weak defence has let them down and they have just one point from their last 10 matches.
To shore up that side of their game, the club have already brought in veteran goalkeeper Motaz Abdulla from Emirates and Al Nasr defender Saeed Mubarak. They have also got Ali Rabea on loan from Al Wasl.
Hassan Maatouk, the Lebanese midfielder, and French striker Michael N'dri have retained their places in the squad.
"We have added five players during this winter transfer window to help the team achieve the aspirations of our fans," said Dr Abdullah Sahoo, the chairman of Shaab's board of directors, praising the contribution of Vergilio and Silva towards the cause of the team in the first half of the season.
"But the coaching staff and the board of directors felt we needed an infusion of fresh blood to meet the challenges of the important next phase of the league. We are seeking to maintain our presence in the Pro League and this will come only through more work and diligence."
Teixeira, who earned nine caps with the Portugal Under 21 team, has played around Europe - in Portugal, France, England, Russian and Romania - and had spells at Paris Saint German and West Bromwich Albion. Since 2011, the 32 year old has been playing for Romanian club Rapid Bucharest.
"I thank the club for the trust they have shown in me and I will do my best to achieve the ambitions of the club and our fans," Teixeira said.
Kaseke, 32, has spent five seasons at Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia, where he won five titles and played in the Uefa Europa League and the Champions League. Last summer, he moved to another Cypriot club, Alki Larnaca, after the end of his contract with Omonia.
"I am really happy to be here in the UAE now," the Zimbabwean said. "The club president and the fans have given us a great welcome and now it is up to us to repay the club for their hospitality."
Adnan Hussein, meanwhile, is looking forward to winning trophies with Al Ahli after his move from Baniyas to the Rashid Stadium was formally sealed on Thursday.
"This is a new phase in my career, which started at Al Nasr and led me to Baniyas," Hussein said. "I want to thank the board of directors of Baniyas and their fans for the opportunities and encouragement they have always given me.
"It allowed me to flourish and helped me win a national cap. I hope to give the same kind of performance at Ahli. They are a big club with a lot of achievements and titles, and I hope to win championships with them."
