Transfer watch: Asia's latest moves

6 July

Shoya Nakajima has signed a five-year deal with Portuguese top-side Porto from Qatar’s Al Duhail SC, the club announced on Saturday.

The Japanese international joined the six-time Qatar Stars League in February 2019, and was instrumental in Al Duhail’s campaign in the Qatar Amir Cup three months later, where they earned their third title after beating Al Sadd 4-1 in the final.

Youssef El Arabi has also been confirmed signing with Greece’s Olympiacos from Al Duhail.

The move marks the 32-year-old Moroccan international’s return to the European continent, as he began with French club Stade Malherbe Caen in 2008, before moving to Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal Saudi FC three years later.

In 2012, El Arabi then transferred to play in the La Liga with Granada, where he spent four seasons.

Al Duhail will play in an all-Qatari 2019 AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie against domestic rivals Al Sadd on August 6 , with the second leg set to commence a week later.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC recently announced acquiring left-back Ali Adnan from Italian Serie A Club Udinese Calcio.

Adnan, who is also an Iraqi international, was originally on loan to Vancouver and will continue his stay in the Major League Soccer until 2021, with an option for 2022, said the club.

"From my first day at this club, I feel like I’m at home. It’s not easy to find a club like this,” Adnan said. “I am very thankful to the club’s ownership, coaches, staff, and my teammates. The fans and city of Vancouver have been extremely welcoming and supportive. I look forward to representing everyone at the club to the best of my ability.”

5 July

Hoang Anh Gia Lai's Nguyen Cong Phuong has signed a one-year loan deal with Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V.

The 24-year-old Vietnamese international, who was previously on loan with Korea Republic's Incheon United, was called up to the senior squad last January in the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019.

Cong Phuong scored a vital equaliser against Jordan in the Round of 16, and Vietnam eventually beat the West Asians 4-2 on penalties.

“Very proud and happy to join Sint-Truidense V.V. in the Belgian First Division A," said Cong Phuong. "This is a major turning point in my football career.

"Thank you to Mr Doan Nguyen Duc, coaching staff of HAGL Club, Vietnam football officials and Sint-Truidense V.V. I will try to train and play my best to please the fans."

Muangthong United FC have signed left-back Ernesto Amantegui Phumipha and centre-back Marco Ballini.

Both defenders are no strangers to the Thai League 1, as Spanish-born Ernesto moves from Port FC, while Ballini has signed from from Chainat Hornbill.

The two have been signed to bolster Muangthong’s backline as the Kirins are positioned 13th in the domestic league with 17 points, just four ahead of bottom-placed Chiangmai FC.

Adelaide United have announced signing Riley McGree from Belgium giants, Club Brugge, on a three-year contract.

The 20-year-old returns to his hometown club for an undisclosed fee and will remain with Adelaide until the end of the A-League 2021/22 season.

“It’s great to be back with Adelaide United and to have another opportunity at this great club ahead of a big season," McGree said.

“As a team, Adelaide had a very good season last year and were unlucky to miss out on a place in the Grand Final, so I have big ambitions for the club and myself for sure.

“Gertjan likes to play a style of football that suits me well so I’m excited to be part of this team and cannot wait for it all to begin.”

Romanian international Nicolae Stanciu has signed a four-year contract with Slavia Prague from Al Ahli Saudi FC.

This marks the 26-year-old's second stint in Czech Republic, where he had played for a rival club, AC Sparta Prague in 2018.

4 July

Islamic Republic of Iran's Mehrdad Mohammadi has completed his transfer to Portuguese club Desportivo das Aves, from Sepahan SC.

The 25-year-old winger was instrumental in the Isfahan-based club finishing runners-up in the 2018-19 Iran Pro League, three points behind domestic champions Persepolis.

3 July

Former Manchester City and FC Barcelona star Yaya Toure has joined Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai. The 36-year-old Ivorian midfielder left Greek side Olympiakos in December 2018.

"Since the start of my career I have always loved challenges and now I will make history once again with Qingdao Huanghai," he said.

"I can't wait to let my football do the magic once again."