Keita joins Al-Shabab on free transfer

Guinean striker Alhassane Keita has joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab on a free transfer.

Keita joined Mallorca in 2008 from Al-Ittihad but controversy was caused after he was forced to sign for Qatar’s Umm Salal Sports Club under the threat of having his passport confiscated by the Al-Ittihad president. FIFA banned him for four months for having two professional contracts at the same time. The issue was soon overturned upon appeal.

The striker has spent the first half of the season on loan at Real Valladolid, but found himself out of favour. After terminating his loan contract, Keita negotiated with Al-Shabab before agreeing a deal that will expire in 2013.