Title: “Strategic Moves: Esteghlal’s Final Summer Signing Sparks Speculation”
Esteghlal Accelerates Transfer Activity Ahead of New Season
Tehran’s Esteghlal FC has intensified its summer transfer efforts as the new club season approaches. Recent acquisitions—including Hossein Goodarzi, Jasir Asani, Antonio Adán, and Saeed Sahrkhizan—have eased head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto’s squad concerns. With just two days remaining before Esteghlal’s first official match against Tractor in the 2024 Iranian Super Cup, the club is set to introduce Dukan Nezon today, bringing their total summer signings to 10.
Balancing Domestic and Foreign Player Quotas
Esteghlal has secured three foreign players—Antonio Adán, Rustam Ashurmatov, and Jasir Asani—while finalizing Nezon’s transfer to fill half of their foreign player quota. On the domestic front, the club strengthened its roster with Habib Far Abbasi, Aref Aghasi, Hossein Goodarzi, Amir Mohammad Rezazadeh, Esmail Gholizadeh, and Saeed Sahrkhizan.
However, league regulations currently limit clubs to signing seven domestic players per transfer window. Despite post-war appeals from several clubs—including Esteghlal and Persepolis—to amend the rules (such as excluding U-23 players from the domestic quota), no changes were implemented. As a result, Esteghlal now has only one remaining domestic signing slot.
Controversy Over Al-Kathir’s Status
Prior to signing Goodarzi and Sahrkhizan, Esteghlal made headlines by securing a controversial deal with Issa Al-Kathir. Since the contract was not officially registered with the league, it does not affect the club’s domestic quota. Recent reports confirm that Sá Pinto has formally reiterated his lack of interest in Al-Kathir, effectively halting the veteran striker’s potential move.
Mehri and Gholami Emerge as Alternatives
With Al-Kathir’s transfer stalled, attention has shifted to Persepolis midfielder Saeed Mehri. Though Mehri is reportedly admired by Sá Pinto, his signing remains a contingency plan if Esteghlal fails to secure a foreign midfielder.
Meanwhile, defender Aref Gholami has emerged as the likeliest final domestic signing. With Rustam Ashurmatov injured, Sá Pinto seeks defensive reinforcements, and Gholami—a seasoned player who spent last season mostly on Tractor’s bench—is now a top priority.
Asani’s Arrival Closes Door on Jafari
Reza Jafari was another attacking option for Esteghlal, but his potential signing hinged on Jasir Asani’s delayed arrival. With Asani’s transfer now imminent, Jafari’s move is off the table. Instead, he is expected to join Gol Gohar after completing military service, while goalkeeper Amir Abedzadeh remains a possible target if Habib Far Abbasi departs.
Goalkeeping Decision Pending
Sá Pinto has yet to finalize his goalkeeping lineup. After the Super Cup, a decision will be made regarding Abbasi’s future—with Abedzadeh potentially replacing him on loan.
Final Domestic Signing: Who Will It Be?
As the summer window nears its close, Esteghlal’s last domestic signing remains uncertain. Candidates include Issa Al-Kathir, Saeed Mehri, Aref Gholami, Reza Jafari, and Amir Abedzadeh—but Gholami appears the frontrunner.
Source: Football 360
