Al Rayyan clinch Brazilian Leandro on loan from Al Sadd Thursday, 02 February 2012 09:08

DOHA: Al Rayyan have secured the services of Al Sadd's Brazilian striker Leandro on a six-month loan deal, the 2012 AFC Champions League Group A side has announced.

Leandro Montera da Silva recently extended his contract with Al Sadd up to 2014 although the management of the 2011 AFC Champions League winners have approved the temporary transfer to Qatar Stars League rivals Al Rayyan for the remainder of the domestic season and the Group Stage of their 2012 ACL campaign.

Leandro was top scorer in the 2009 AFC Champions League with ten goals for Gamba Osaka, the then-defending champions who were knocked out in the Round of 16, played for Al Sadd in the Group Stage of last year's ACL but missed out on the knockout phase their historic title win.

Rayyan, who were knocked out at the Group Stage of last year's ACL, return to Asia's premier club competition on March 6 when they host the victorious side in  the final round of the 2012 ACL West Zone playoffs, which will be between the winners of the Esteghlal versus Zob Ahan clash and Ettifaq of Saudi Arabia. (QNA)