The defensive midfielder follows manager Jorge to Al Rayyan, signing a two-year deal.

Al Rayyan have signed midfielder Gregore from Brazilian Série A club Botafogo, the Qatar Stars League side announced on Saturday.

The 31-year-old joins on a two-year deal and comes from the same side as current Al Rayyan head coach Artur Jorge.

He recently appeared in all three group stage games for Botafogo in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 held in the U.S.

Jorge was roped in by the Qatari club following a successful stint in Brazil, which saw him win the league and the Copa Libertadores, South America’s club championship in the 2023/24 season.

Before his spell in Brazil, Gregore plied his trade for Inter Miami, appearing alongside Lionel Messi on several occasions. He only got to play half a season under Jorge, yet was a part of his triumphant side.

With the familiarity and experience under his belt, Gregore will be tasked with injecting much-needed experience into a squad left voided with a flurry of recent departures and recent young signings.

Following a shaky spell under Poya Asbaghi, Al Rayyan had appointed Younes Ali to take charge from Al Arabi, whom Jorge ultimately replaced in January.

Reeling when the new manager came in, the Lions ultimately managed to finish fifth in the league with six wins in 11 games under Jorge and also played the final of the Amir Cup, where they missed out on the trophy following a 2-1 loss against Al Gharafa.

Al Rayyan’s sense of optimism for the upcoming season will also be based on their recent deals in the transfer window.

Focusing on promising Qatari youngsters, Al Rayyan officially roped in midfielder Jassim Jaber and goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada from Al Arabi as well as Al Gharafa’s Abdullah Yousef.

Similarly, youngsters Ali Al-Qahtani and Hossam Al-Din are also a part of the ongoing pre-season camp in Spain.

The squad is scheduled to play friendlies against the likes of Spanish second division side FC Andorra and Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC.