The past few years has seen an emergence of Iranian talent plying their trade in Europe as a way of both improving their ability and solidifying their place in the national team. Just as many players have found success as those who have flopped. This upcoming summer is a little bit different form years prior. A few players are on the end of their contract, while others are in situations that are not in their favor. This article will discuss the players current 2018-2019 season and what actions they should take this summer to improve upon their situation. Whether that be staying, seeking a loan or permanent move.
Sardar Azmoun (24-CF-Zenit St. Petersburg)
For years Iranian fans had been calling on Azmoun to make a move away from Berydev's teams. Supposed interest and offers from Liverpool, Arsenal, Wolves, and Lazio popped up during his time in Russia, and whether they were real or rumors they never came into fruition. His 2017 return to Rubin Kazan was seen as the nail in the coffin to fulfill his potential, yet despite a slow time at Rubin Kazan, Zenit came in with a €12,00 Million transfer for the skipper. At Zenit, Azmoun has flourished scoring 8 goals and 2 assists across his first 10 games. Zenit's system is good for Azmoun and Azmoun is good for Zenit's system. Having seen such success in such little time, there are shouts for Azmoun to make another move, but that would not be beneficial. Zenit is heading toward the Champions League as Russian Champions and Azmoun can develop greatly and showcase his ability on the grand stage next year. In the summer of 2020, Azmoun will still only be 25 and will have a significantly better resume and ability if his growth continues. He will be a prime target for a top team and will be cheaper than European strikers who will have inflated prices from the Euro 2020 tournament. Stay.
Majid Hosseini (22-CB-Trabzonspor)
Iranians have wanted a centerback in Europe for years and Majid came calling. The young centerback impressed the world in Russia 2018 and earned a move to Turkish giants Trabzonspor. The team is currently set to end the season in the 3-4th places which would give them a place in next season's Europa league. Hosseini's biggest flaw has been inconsistency and with another season in Turkey and the Europa league to showcase his ability, he will too be primed for a good cheap move for a mid table team in a top league in 2020. He will still only be 23 year olds and have a high ceiling. The Turkish league funnels into both the Italian and German leagues making it a good scouting hub. Stay
Sadegh Moharrami (22-RB-Dinamo Zagreb)
Moharrami's success in Zagreb surprised many after Ali Karimi struggled to do so years ago. The rightback has played dozens of games for the Croatian giants, helping them secure the league title while also getting a game in the Europa league. Zagreb has never lost when Moharrami has been on the field, and has only received praise from fans and coaching staff alike. With Zagreb featuring in next years Champion's league, it is in Moharrami's best interest to stay another season or two to better adapt to European football before making a move. The Croatian league finds itself funneling into the Italian and German leagues as well. Stay
Ali Gholizadeh (23-RW) & Younes Delfi (18-RW) RSC Charleroi
The two Charleroi wingers have had a season(or half) of a good amount of gametime for their situation. Gholizadeh put up 2 goals and 5 assists for Charleroi despite missing months of the season due to injury. Similarly, Delfi also picked up a minor injury but has received a few hundred minutes of game time. Should Gholizadeh stay fit next season, he will easily hit 15 goal contributions with regular starting time, and from there he can make a step up. Delfi will likely need two or three seasons to see consistent game time, but the coach has put his faith in Delfi, making the move a good one so far. Stay
Alireza Jahanbakhsh (25-RW-Brighton)
Jahanbakhsh finished the 2017-2018 Eredivise season as top scorer and joint third in assists, yet has struggled to register either for Premier League side Brighton. Although he has been limited in his role on the field, his performances have been disappointing for his club. Despite all this, Jahanbakhsh should stay as the current Brighton coach looks on his way out and Jahanbakhsh's history points to him always needing a season to transition into his new clubs. There will likely be little suitors given his price tag, so another season in the premier league or championship, should Brighton relegate, could seriously help Janahbakhsh in the long run. Stay
Amir Abedzadeh (26-GK-Maritimo)
With consistent game time and only a year left on his contract, Amir should stay at Portugese top tier side Maritimo. Amir has been competing with Charles for the posts the past few years, but Amir has been edging him this season. Another season at Maritimo before considering a move would be wise as a wrong move can see him stuck on the bench with a long contract. Stay
Omid Noorafkan (22-LB/CDM-Charleroi) Mohammad Naderi (21-LB/CB-Kortrijk) Kaveh Rezaei (27-ST-Club Brugge)
Getting a surplus of Iranians into Belgium was great, but when both Noorafkan and Naderi found themselves playing for the reserve teams of their clubs they were loaned back to Iranian giants Esteghlal and Persepolis respectively. Kaveh has suffered from being ousted from his club despite excellent performances in the league. If these players are not in their coach's plan for next season they should seek loans to lower Belgian or European teams instead of giving up on the European dream. Kaveh would likely be welcomed back to Charleroi as their main current striker is a loanee from Wolfsburg so he should pursue that as an option. Loan
Reza Shekari (20-CAM-Rubin Kazan)
Shekari's move to Rubin Kazan two years ago was seen as a revelation for the young playmaker, but he has seen little play time and doesn't even make the bench these days. With Rubin Kazan's recently announced partnership with Tractor Sazi, it would be a good idea for Shekari to either request a loan to the Iranian club or request a move away from RK in general. Shekari's development is beginning to stagnate, so should he want to reach his potential he should move away from his current situation. Loan/Move
Saman Ghoddos (25-CAM/LW/ST-Amiens)
Ghoddos's playmaking and freekick ability has got him a lot of attention in the past few years. Even earning him praise from Arsene Wenger and many other coaches alike. Amiens looks to be just avoiding relegation this year, but regardless of the outcome Ghoddos should seek a move elsewhere. From the start, Ghoddos looked a level above his teammates and his performances this year should be enough to have a Europa league level team searching for his talents. For his own development he should hand in a transfer request. Move
Saeid Ezatolahi (22-CDM-Reading on loan from Rostov)
Ezatolahi has become an essential part of Iran's midfield. His defensive ability to sit above the centerbacks and move the ball have made him a necessary starter for the national team. With his contract up this summer, Saeid should aim for a better team than Reading or the lower table Russian sides. Belgian giants Anderlecht were reportedly interested in the past and a move like that would be ideal for Saeid's development and gametime. Move
Milad Mohammadi (25-LB-Akhmat Grozny)
Milad's contract is also running out and he has made the smart decision with signing for a big agent that can get him a quality move. His agent represents many premier league players including Kyle Walker. A move to a mid table team in a top league is looking very feasible for Milad. He should not settle for a mid table Russian side as he can do better and further develop in a better team or league. Move
Karim Ansarifard (29-ST-Nottingham Forrest)
Karim's move this year has seen him struggle with club issues and vast competition for the striking spot. When he plays he shows that he has the ability, but it is looking unlikely that he will be the go to man next year. A move back to Greece or a new adventure in Turkey could be a good final move for Karim. Move
Other players in Europe such as Amiri and Ahmadzadeh are looking at a return to Iran and there is not much wrong with that given their situations. The upcoming summer will likely see a lot of the status quo for the level of clubs our legionnaires are at, but some improvements will hopefully be in the mix as well. The potential moves from the Iranian league to Europe will likely be bigger this summer, as the likes of Allahyar, Sharifi, Beiranvand, and more having links popping up. The next article will talk about players who are ready to make the jump and what level will suit them.