From Blue to Red: Monir El Haddadi’s Stunning Switch to Iranian Football
Tehran – In a major transfer coup, Esteghlal FC has officially unveiled its newest star signing: Moroccan forward Monir El Haddadi. The former Barcelona and Sevilla player has joined the Iranian club on a two-year contract, marking one of the most high-profile acquisitions in the history of the Iranian Pro League.
A Marquee Signing for Iranian Football
The club introduced its new signing yesterday, presenting a player who is undoubtedly one of the biggest names ever to commit to Iranian football. El Haddadi’s arrival has generated significant excitement among the Esteghlal faithful, who are eagerly awaiting his presence in Tehran and the chance to witness his first appearance in the club’s iconic blue kit.
A Twisted Transfer Saga
The transfer carries an intriguing subplot. Last summer, just before the start of the previous league season, El Haddadi was heavily linked with a move to Esteghlal’s arch-rivals, Persepolis. Negotiations advanced to the point where a move to the red side of the capital seemed imminent. However, Persepolis officials were ultimately unable to finalize his signing.
After the move to Persepolis fell through, the Moroccan international opted to remain in Europe, signing instead with Spanish club CD Leganés. Now, a year later, he has finally made his way to Iran—not in the red of Persepolis, but in the blue of Esteghlal.
Setting the Stage for a Dramatic Derby
This twist of fate sets the stage for a highly anticipated narrative in the upcoming Tehran derbies. In a few months, El Haddadi is poised to line up against the very club that had pursued him the previous season. His presence will add a compelling new layer of intrigue to one of Asian football’s most passionate rivalries, showcasing the competitive and dynamic nature of club acquisitions within Iran’s top-tier league.
