Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Sydney: Australia's Sydney FC have strengthened their squad ahead of their 2019 AFC Champions League campaign, signing former Islamic Republic of Iran star Reza Ghoochannejhad on a half-season loan deal.
The striker joins from Cypriot champions APOEL, and becomes the first Iranian to feature for the A-League outfit.
Ghoochannejhad, who scored 17 goals in 44 appearances for Team Melli before his international retirement at the end of last year's FIFA World Cup, revealed his happiness at putting pen to paper.
https://www.the-afc.com/en/more/photo/ac15_150123_players_irn_reza_ghoochannejhad_16_002.html
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Shanghai: Korea Republic defender Kim Min-jae has signed for Beijing Guoan.
The 22-year-old centre-back, whose club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors said they had received a bid from Watford reported to be about US$8 million, instead plumped for the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Guoan, who finished fourth in the CSL last season, announced Kim's signing but did not disclose the size of the transfer fee.
Coached by Germany's Roger Schmidt, Guoan will be hoping the established international can stiffen a defence that conceded 45 goals in the CSL last season.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Espanyol: La Liga outfit Espanyol have added firepower to their attacking lineup after signing China PR international Wu Lei on Monday.
Espanyol, who are currently 14th in La Liga, tweeted the arrival of the 27-year-old forward on the club’s social media channel.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tashkent: PFC Lokomotiv will be without Ignatiy Nesterov for their 2019 AFC Champions League campaign following the experienced goalkeeper’s move to Saudi Arabian side Ohod Club.
Nesterov’s transfer, which was announced via Ohod’s social media channels, comes just days after the Uzbekistan custodian appeared for his country at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019 where the White Wolves exited via a penalty shootout in the Round of 16.
The 35-year-old had previously featured in 14 editions of the AFC Champions League – the most by any player and two more than nearest rival and Al Hilal SFC star Mohammad Al Shalhoub.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Tehran: Kashima Antlers were crowned AFC Champions League winners for the first time after a goalless stalemate with Islamic Republic of Iran’s Persepolis at the Azadi Stadium on Saturday saw the Japanese side wrap up a 2-0 aggregate scoreline following their first leg victory in Japan last week.
A stalwart rearguard action from the visitors frustrated their hosts and the bulk of the 100,000 supporters who had crammed themselves into the cavernous venue in Tehran, with Persepolis unable to reduce Kashima’s two-goal advantage.
Of the few chances that did fall Persepolis’ way, the majority came to striker Ali Alipour but he was unable to make them count, as Go Oiwa’s side secured the 0-0 draw to make it back-to-back Asian champions from the J.League after Urawa Red Diamonds’ triumph last year.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Doha: Rui Faria, an assistant to Jose Mourinho at a number of Europe's biggest teams, has become head coach at Qatari league side Al Duhail, the club have announced.
It is the 43-year-old's first job since leaving Manchester United, as Mourinho's number two, last year.
"The club administration has succeeded in hiring Portuguese coach Rui Faria to lead the team... during the coming period after intensive negotiations," the club said in an announcement posted on Twitter.
It added that Duhail had beaten off several offers from other clubs to secure Faria as its coach.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Riyadh: Australia international defender Milos Degenek has joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal SFC from Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade, it has been announced.
The 24-year-old, who is currently on duty for his country at the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, put pen to paper in Dubai on Saturday after agreeing a reported three-and-a-half year deal.