Masharipov’s Potential Return: A Strategic Boost for Esteghlal’s League Campaign
A Glimmer of Hope Amid Transfer Ban
While Esteghlal Football Club continues to navigate the challenge of a FIFA-imposed transfer ban, a familiar name has re-emerged as a potential strategic asset: Jaloliddin Masharipov. The former Uzbek star of the team is once again a topic of discussion. Although his name was not on Esteghlal’s roster for the first half of the Persian Gulf Pro League, a valid and official contract still binds him to the club. This contractual agreement opens a viable pathway for his return, allowing him to be added to the “Blue Giants” squad as a foreign player for the second half of the season.
A Calculated Comeback
Masharipov, who has previously played for Esteghlal, was initially omitted from the list at the season’s start due to injury and the limitations on foreign player quotas. However, the less-than-satisfactory performance of some of the team’s current foreign players has now positioned his comeback as a serious and calculated option for the club’s management.
According to the new regulations set by the League Organization, each team is permitted to utilize seven foreign players—a quota Esteghlal has currently filled. Therefore, for Masharipov to be integrated, one of the existing foreign players would need to be removed from the official list. Reports suggest that to facilitate this strategic move, either Jenpo or Nazari could be the players making way for Masharipov’s anticipated return, signaling a focused effort to strengthen the team’s composition for the crucial latter stage of the competition.