Title: Esteghlal’s New Prodigy: National Team Veteran Hails Saeed Saharkhizan as Iran’s Next Football Star
Tehran – In a development that has electrified the domestic football scene, a celebrated former captain of the Esteghlal football club has identified a rising talent within the team’s ranks, drawing comparisons to one of Iran’s most prominent international players.
A Veteran’s Acclaim
The remarks were made by Shahin Bayani, a former Esteghlal captain renowned for his own achievements, including winning Asian championships with the club and securing gold with the Iranian national team at the Asian Games. In an analysis of the team’s current roster, Bayani highlighted the performances of young player Saeed Saharkhizan.
The “New Taremi”
Bayani pointed to Saharkhizan’s commendable performances for Esteghlal and his subsequent rise to the national U-23 team (Omid). He expressed strong confidence in the player’s potential, stating that with continued focus and development, Saharkhizan could follow a path similar to that of senior national team star Mehdi Taremi.
“Saharkhizan is truly a worthy player,” Bayani was quoted as saying. “I believe head coach Amir Ghalenoei could consider him as one of the contenders for the 2026 World Cup squad.”
A Path to the Future
Emphasizing the importance of discipline, the former captain added, “If Saeed continues his upward trajectory and steers clear of distractions, I announce to you right here that a new Mehdi Taremi has been born in Iranian football. He can precisely emulate his path of progress and pave his way to European leagues.”
This endorsement from a respected figure within Iranian football has generated significant optimism among fans and analysts, who see it as a testament to the continuing pipeline of talent within the country’s football system.