However, the K-League club have bolstered their squad with the signings of Brazilian striker Mota and wingback Ahn Tae-eun from FC Seoul as a busy close season continues for Pohang who recently lost coach Sergio Farias to Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia and defender Choi Hyo-jin to K-League rivals Seoul.

Denilson, who hails from Brazil, and Macedonian marksman Ristic, scored against Luiz Felipe Scolari's team in the quarter-final of the Asian Champions League last season and the 2002 World Cup winning coach was impressed enough to tempt the duo to Tashkent, the club's website confirmed.

Denilson scored seven times in the continental competition and was also the top marksman at the FIFA Club World Cup in December.

His replacement Mota though, has the pedigree to plug the gap left by his compatriot. The former Sporting Lisbon star scored 48 goals in 119 K-league games with Chunnam Dragons and Seongnam Ilhwa.

"I am happy to be back in the K-League," Mota told Pohang's official website.

"I always wanted to come back and am delighted it is with Pohang. I will do my best to help the team win more titles."

Midfielder Ahn helped Seoul reach the last eight of the Asian Champions League last season and is hopeful of repeating Steelers' success in 2010.

"Pohang has given me another chance," said Ahn. "I hope I can help the team win the Champions League again and the K-League."

Denilson signed for Pohang in 2008 from fellow K-League club Daejeon Citizen and netted 44 goals in 107 games during his time in South Korea.

Ristic, who is already training with his new club in Dubai, arrived at Pohang the same year as his strike partner after a season with Jeonbuk Motors. He scored 33 times in 81 games.