They have also managed to sign Haider Alo Ali, who captained Al Wahda for many years.

Ortigoza, who has made nine appearances for Paraguay, including the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, joins from Argentine first division club San Lorenzo de Almagro.

The 27-year-old central midfielder joins the other foreign recruits Ivory Coast striker Modibo Diarra, who was retained, new signings Argentina’s Germain Herrera and Lebanon’s Hassan Maatouk. Herrera joins from Brazilian club Botafogo.

Emirates will be competing in the play-offs against Al Sharjah, Al Shaab and Al Dhafrah as they aim to return to the Etisalat UAE Pro-League after being relegated last season.

Al Wahda captain Haider Alo Ali, who incidentally played his last League game last season against Emirates, crosses over to the Ras Al Khaimah club. They have also signed Obaid Nasir.

Emirates have also signed Mohammed Osman from Al Wahda and Ali Mohammed Rashid from Al Jazira.

Ortigoza will don the No.20 jersey, while forward Herrera will wear the No.17 jersey. Attacking playmaker Maatouk gets the prized No.9 shirt. Haider Alo Ali will don his favoured 23 jersey, while Mohammed Osman will wear the No.5 jersey. Ali Mohammed Rashid will don the No.77 shirt.“I hope to be a good addition to the team and I will try my best with the rest of the players to achieve the club’s targets, beginning with the play-offs in September,” Haider Alo Ali said.