Four points from six rounds have left Al Ettifaq 14th and second-bottom in the First Division League. The club has set a three-season deadline for reaching the UAE Pro League.
As of 7 October 2026, Mario Balotelli had played no minutes in the First Division League that season. His only appearance was in the President's Cup, where he scored in the 94th minute, but Al Ettifaq lost 2-1 and were eliminated.
European experience joins the squad
Al Ettifaq have signed three players with experience in European football. Douglas Costa, a former Bayern Munich winger, is one of them. Patrick Gabarrón Gil has played for Barcelona and Lazio. Daniele Baselli, a former Atalanta midfielder, completes the group.
They join Italian forward Mario Balotelli, who arrived last season. Goal.com reported that the three new arrivals were presented as part of Al Ettifaq's 2026/27 squad, alongside Balotelli, who joined in January 2026.
Before the 2026/27 season, Al Ettifaq had finished the previous campaign in a precarious position: after Balotelli joined, the club were bottom of the table and at risk of relegation to the third division. Cronache di reported that they had one point after the first five rounds of the new season, before the six-round position cited here.
Established overseas players feature in plans across the UAE Pro League. Recent transfer reporting has described Richarlison as close to a move to Shabab Al Ahli Dubai after his Tottenham exit. Al Ettifaq, meanwhile, have framed their objective as a multi-season build rather than a single recruitment headline.
A longer project beyond match results
Pinto said the club's plans extend to its sporting and administrative structure. He also cited technical and commercial partnerships.
On 7 October 2026, Al Ettifaq officially presented the renovated Tre Elle Sports Center in Dubai as its new base. The site was formerly known as the Etisalat Sports and Leisure Club. Goal.com reported the centre's unveiling. A report carried by Head Topics from La Gazzetta del Mezzogiorno described the project as combining football with commercial partnerships and the development of sports infrastructure.
The centre has football facilities and padel courts. Tennis and basketball facilities are also on site. Visitors can use the volleyball and squash facilities. The centre also offers swimming.
