Shabab Al Ahli sign Coventry City winger Jahnoah Markelo as Juan Bezerra alternative

Shabab Al Ahli have signed Surinamese winger Jahnoah Markelo from Coventry City to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The 23-year-old has joined the Emirati club after an agreement was reached between the two sides, and he will be registered as a “resident” player when the new campaign begins.

Markelo becomes the latest addition to Shabab Al Ahli’s squad, with the player expected to begin a new chapter with the club, known as the “Knights”, from next season.

His arrival comes after Shabab Al Ahli had shown interest in signing Juan Bezerra from Zamalek during the current summer transfer window. However, Zamalek’s board did not approve the winger’s departure, prompting the Emirati club to pursue an alternative target.

Shabab Al Ahli subsequently completed a deal for Markelo, who will now provide another attacking option as the club prepares for the 2026-27 sporting season.

The move follows a public disagreement between Bezerra and Zamalek over the conditions under which the player could leave the Egyptian club.

Bezerra said in an official statement that Zamalek’s management had not honoured its agreement with him. He also claimed that the club had told him it would allow him to depart if a suitable offer arrived, but that this had not happened.

Zamalek later issued an official response, stating that the club had the right to accept or reject offers submitted for the player. The club also called on Bezerra to return to first-team training as soon as possible.

With Zamalek unwilling to sanction Bezerra’s move, Shabab Al Ahli turned their attention to Markelo and reached an agreement to bring him to the United Arab Emirates.

Markelo joins from Coventry City, although his involvement with the English club was limited last season. He made five appearances for Coventry City and did not score or provide an assist.

The winger will now be tasked with making an impact at Shabab Al Ahli as the club finalises its preparations for the new campaign. His registration as a resident player is expected to form part of the club’s squad planning for the season ahead.

The agreement was announced on Saturday, 8 August 2026, with Markelo becoming Shabab Al Ahli’s latest signing before the start of the 2026-27 season.