From Blue to Red: Monir El Haddadi’s Surprising Iranian Club Switch
Tehran – In a major transfer coup, Esteghlal FC has officially unveiled its newest star signing: Moroccan forward Monir El Haddadi, a former FC Barcelona and Sevilla player. The move, finalized with a two-year contract, marks one of the most high-profile arrivals in Iranian football history, generating significant excitement among the club’s passionate fanbase.
A Major Coup for the Blues
El Haddadi, who has experience in Europe’s top leagues, was presented by the club yesterday. Esteghlal supporters are now eagerly awaiting his arrival in Tehran and the chance to see him make his debut in the team’s iconic blue jersey. His signing is seen as a major statement of intent from the club’s management, demonstrating their ambition to compete at the highest level.
A Twist of Transfer Fate
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. He was even publicly presented as a potential target for the red-clad club, but their management was ultimately unable to secure the deal.
A year later, the highly anticipated move to the Iranian league has finally materialized, though not in the colors many had initially expected. El Haddadi arrives not in the red of Persepolis, but the blue of Esteghlal. This sets the stage for a fascinating narrative in upcoming Tehran derbies, where he will face the very club that had previously pursued him.
Following the collapsed move to Persepolis last year, El Haddadi opted to remain in Europe, signing with Spanish club CD Leganés before finally making his landmark move to Esteghlal this season.