Title: Strategic Patience: Persepolis Retains Key Players, Plans for High-Profile Acquisitions
In a decisive end to the transfer window, Persepolis Football Club has solidified its squad by successfully navigating the contract terminations of three players. The club finalized the departures of Saeed Mehri, Vahid Amiri, and Sardar Dorsun, a move that involved significant financial settlements. This strategic clearance was executed to free up roster space and finalize the contract for Serge Owusu, while creating two valuable slots for new signings.
Despite these preparations, the club’s technical directors, Reza Darvish and Vahid Hashemian, were unable to secure the two targeted new players before the window closed. This leaves the team to continue the first third of the Persian Gulf Pro League with its current roster, with the next opportunity for reinforcements three months away.
A Commitment to Quality
The delay in new acquisitions is rooted in a firm policy from the club’s leadership. Mehdi Ahmadi, the CEO of Bank City—a key stakeholder—publicly emphasized a month ago that the consortium would not permit the addition of low-caliber players. He clarified that while Hashemian and Darvish are responsible for identifying talent, all potential signings must receive final approval from the consortium, which is committed to bringing in only world-class athletes.
Ahmadi addressed previous speculation, stating, “We said we will not allow the signing of a player whose contract might be terminated if a new coach arrives in the coming years, leaving us with only the financial cost on our books. We insisted they find players of a global standard.”
Financial Prudence and Future Plans
Dismissing claims of a specific budget being announced, Ahmadi explained that such a move would artificially inflate player wage demands. “We never quoted a figure, and it is against the facts to say we did,” he asserted. “We stated that the salary structure is clear and that we would proceed with the signings if they would bring joy to the fans, but we did not disclose numbers.”
Regarding the club’s transfer strategy moving forward, Ahmadi was clear: “First, we will not let these two roster spots go to waste. Our priority is to sign a world-class free agent if possible. We do not have budget limitations for the right opportunity. If a suitable free agent cannot be found now, then two very strong players will definitely be added to Persepolis in the mid-season transfer window.” This approach underscores a strategy of calculated investment and long-term squad building.