Iranian Football Giants Shift Focus to Midfield Maestro
In a decisive move, Tehran’s premier football clubs, Esteghlal and Persepolis, have reportedly reached a final agreement, signaling a powerful united front in the domestic sports scene. This collaboration underscores a strategic alignment within the country’s athletic institutions.
The news comes amid a flurry of transfer speculation, which has now been authoritatively clarified. Recent rumors had linked Cameroonian international striker Vincent Aboubakar with a move to Esteghlal. However, the club’s head coach, Ricardo Sá Pinto, has officially confirmed that the team will not be pursuing the player.
This position was corroborated by Aboubakar himself, who, in a brief statement, confirmed that while he has received offers, reports of negotiations or a contract with any Iranian club are entirely unfounded. The player is currently with the Cameroonian national team, putting recent market rumors to rest.
A New Strategic Direction
With the pursuit of Aboubakar concluded, Coach Sá Pinto has communicated a new strategic priority to the club’s management. Instead of seeking a foreign striker, the team’s immediate need is for a creative playmaker in the number 10 position to strengthen the midfield.
According to sources close to the club, Sá Pinto has identified an experienced player for this role and has emphasized that negotiations have already commenced. This targeted acquisition is seen as the ideal replacement for the departed Masharipov. The coach believes that a powerful and complete midfield is paramount for achieving success in both domestic and Asian competitions, making a creative playmaker a more critical signing than a new striker.
Looking Ahead
As a result, Esteghlal’s entire focus in the transfer market has shifted to finalizing the signing of this midfield maestro. The club is hopeful of securing the deal before the upcoming FIFA break. Supporters can anticipate an official announcement regarding the new signing in the coming days, a move that is expected to significantly bolster the team’s prospects for the season.
