Former Premier League star signs for little-known club in Dubai - with his new side unveiling him by showing the striker stepping out of a Lamborghini

A Premier League star has completed a surprise transfer to Dubai club Al-Nasr, not to be confused with Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi club, Al-Nassr.

The former Premier league icon is well known for his time at Southampton between 2017 and 2019.

The striker returned to Italian club Sampdoria for a £12million fee in 2019 and has now joined the Dubai club on a free transfer.

He joins ex-Premier League player Adel Taarabt, formerly of Tottenham and QPR, at the Dubai-based side this summer.

Manolo Gabbiadini had an electric start to his spell with the Saints, netting an impressive five goals in four matches.

The 31-year-old striker had also played for Atalanta, Juventus and Napoli and returned to Serie A at Sampdoria in 2019.

During his time in the Italian top flight, Gabbiadini made over 278 appearances and scored 69 goals - having represented five clubs in the league.

Gabbiadini made a return to Sampdoria for a fee of £12m, although the club were relegated from Serie A at the end of the 2022-23 season.

The UAE Pro League club announced the arrival of the Italian striker on Twitter, during which the club unveiled the signing in a video featuring a Lamborghini.

A three-year deal has been penned between the striker and Al-Nasr, who finished ninth last season in the UAE Pro League.

Gabbiadini's move to Dubai comes during a wave of former Premier League stars transferring to clubs in the Middle East for huge fees.

This summer has seen the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, N'Golo Kante and Jordan Henderson all secure huge money moves to Middle-Eastern clubs.

The Dubai side, Al-Nasr is not to be confused with Al-Nassr - a Saudi Pro League club who signed Ronaldo in January 2023.

Gabbiadini was a fan favourite at Southampton, scoring twice during the League Cup final which they lost against Manchester United in 2017.

Consequently, the striker was awarded the Fans' Player of the Month award in February 2017.

Since leaving the English club, the now 31-year-old struggled to find his footing again at Italian club Sampdoria.