Title: Al-Kathir’s Future at Esteghlal Remains Uncertain Amid Transfer Speculations
Fans’ Outcry Forces Club to Reconsider Deal
The backlash from Esteghlal’s supporters grew so intense that Portuguese head coach Ricardo Sá Pinto was compelled to address the situation. In a blunt statement, he clarified that he had never sent the final confirmation email for Al-Kathir’s signing to the club. This revelation, combined with mounting fan pressure, prompted the club’s management to reassess the transfer process.
No Official Decision Yet
Reports later emerged suggesting that Esteghlal was considering terminating the agreement with Al-Kathir. However, as of now, no official stance has been announced by the club. This lingering uncertainty has left both fans and the player himself in limbo.
Given that Al-Kathir has not engaged in negotiations with any other club, it appears he is awaiting a definitive resolution from Esteghlal. Meanwhile, rumors suggest that Sá Pinto has advised the club’s officials to delay any contract termination, as the status of other potential attacking signings remains unresolved.
Strengthening the Attack: New Signings in the Works
Currently, Esteghlal only has Mohammad Reza Azadi as a specialized striker. To bolster their offensive line, the club has held serious negotiations with Saeid Saharkhizan, a young forward from Russia’s Orenburg. Esteghlal is reportedly prepared to pay a significant fee for Saharkhizan’s release, and if all goes as planned, he is expected to arrive in Iran soon to finalize his contract.
Additionally, Duckens Nazon, a Haitian striker from Turkey’s Kayserispor, remains on Esteghlal’s transfer list. Preliminary talks with Nazon have progressed, but securing his signing is no simple task and requires further effort from the club’s management. It remains to be seen when—or if—Nazon will join the Blues.
Overcrowded Forward Line?
Should Esteghlal successfully sign both Saharkhizan and Nazon, they would have four specialized strikers—including Al-Kathir and Azadi. Given Sá Pinto’s tactical system, which typically employs only one central forward, this could lead to drastically reduced playing time for some of these players.
As a result, the club is reportedly looking to offload at least one forward, with Al-Kathir being the most likely candidate. However, despite reports on Friday suggesting mutual agreement on a contract termination, no official announcement has been made, leaving everything in a state of suspension.
Pressure Mounts as Season Approaches
With fan discontent and the unresolved status of Nazon and Saharkhizan’s transfers, Al-Kathir’s future remains undecided. This uncertainty comes at a critical time, as Esteghlal must soon shift focus to competitive matches. The lack of clarity in key positions could complicate the technical staff’s planning, adding further urgency to resolve the situation swiftly.
For now, all eyes remain on Esteghlal’s next move—will Al-Kathir stay or depart? The answer could shape the club’s season.