Title: Persepolis Strategic Overhaul: High-Stakes Transfers to Fortify Squad
A Club at a Crossroads
In the midst of a significant leadership transition with a change in its CEO, the Persepolis football club is navigating a critical phase, not only concerning its managerial position but also its strategic direction for the season. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the technical staff’s future, the team’s management is proactively planning for the upcoming winter transfer window, signaling a determined focus on maintaining competitive strength.
Addressing the Imbalance
Vahid Hashemian, who took the helm as head coach following the appointment of Ismail Kartal, recently highlighted a fundamental lack of balance within the squad. From the outset, he communicated these concerns to the club’s directors. While his initial signings—Marco Bakic, Serge Owusu, and Hossein Abargouei—were steps toward addressing key deficiencies, the assessment within the club confirms that further reinforcements are essential for sustained success.
The Winter Shopping List
Undeterred by the challenging circumstances, the Persepolis technical committee has prepared a targeted transfer list. The plan emphasizes the acquisition of five players, with a particular focus on securing three essential signings. The identified positions needing immediate reinforcement are left-back, winger, and striker. This strategic move is reminiscent of a previous winter window that proved pivotal for the club, where signings like Ostoun Urunov, Abdulkarim Hassan, and Issa Alekasir dramatically shifted the league’s balance of power and propelled the team to a championship victory.
Striker Search Takes Priority
A notable aspect of the current strategy is the renewed pursuit of two specific strikers: Shahrivar Moghanlou and Ali Gholizadeh. Both players were on Persepolis’s radar at the start of the season, but protracted negotiations with their former clubs, Al-Wehda (UAE) and Lech Poznań (Poland), ultimately stalled. Now, with only six months remaining on their contracts, a transfer is more feasible. Their respective clubs are reportedly more open to negotiations, and Persepolis is keen to finalize the deals. The potential return of Moghanlou is especially significant, as his previous mid-season arrival was instrumental in a championship-winning campaign under Yahya Golmohammadi, showcasing his proven ability to elevate the team’s offensive power.
A Calculated Strategy for Success
This focused transfer approach underscores a clear objective: to build a cohesive and well-rounded squad capable of achieving its goals. By targeting specific, high-impact players in key positions, Persepolis is demonstrating a commitment to strategic planning and long-term stability, aiming to reinforce its status as a dominant force in Iranian football.