Title: A Costly Conundrum: Esteghlal’s High-Stakes Investment Under the Microscope
A Disappointing Start
Mousa Ghanpo, Esteghlal FC’s high-profile summer signing, has emerged as one of the team’s most underwhelming performers to date. The expensive winger, previously with Belgium’s Standard Liège, has not only failed to meet expectations but has also delivered performances that fall significantly short of what is anticipated from a costly foreign player.
A Troubled History
Prior to his arrival at Esteghlal, Ghanpo was experiencing a difficult period in his career at Standard Liège. He had become an “unwanted” player at the Belgian club, excluded from the technical manager’s plans and out of favor with the supporters. The club had been actively seeking a permanent sale or even a loan deal for some time, but found few interested parties—until Esteghlal and its management entered the negotiations.
A Mutual Parting of Ways
The transfer of Ghanpo to the Iranian club represented a strategic move for Standard Liège’s management to offload a high-cost, underperforming asset, and they consequently welcomed the deal. The situation in Iran, however, has proven to be not so different. The player, who was acquired with considerable hope, has yet to establish a meaningful or effective role within the Esteghlal lineup, with the majority of his appearances being marked by unimpactful and lackluster displays.
A Deal of Convenience
Ghanpo had, in effect, become a surplus requirement for his former club. When Esteghlal’s offer materialized, Standard Liège’s administration was keen to finalize the transfer by any means necessary, a sentiment compounded by reported disagreements between the player and the club’s management. His departure was met with satisfaction in Belgium, as the club successfully managed to transfer the player. Observing his subsequent performances for Esteghlal provides a clearer understanding of the relief felt by the management and fans of Standard Liège following his exit.
