August 26

Islamic Republic of Iran international Saman Ghoddos has signed a five-year contract with French side Amiens SC.

The Swedish-born Iranian began his professional career in Sweden's Division 1 Limhamn Bunkeflo in 2011 and Trelleborg in 2013 before progressing to the Superettan a year later with Syrianska.

The 26-year-old has spent his entire professional senior career with Al Ain, marking this as his first move out of the United Arab Emirates.

With Al Ain since 2008, the 2016 AFC Player of the Year has a cabinet filled with trophies playing for The Boss, which includes multiple individual honours, four UAE Pro League titles, a UAE League Cup in 2009, three UAE Super Cup and three UAE President's Cup.

Honda, who retired from international football after Japan's heartbreaking 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia exit in a last-gasp defeat to Belgium, put pen to paper for the 2018/19 season.

"It goes without saying that Keisuke has consistently proven himself at the highest level and we can't wait to see what he can do in Melbourne," said Victory head coach Kevin Muscat.

The talismanic 32-year-old, one of the highest profile names in Asian football, had been a free agent since departing Mexican club Pachuca.

"I am so happy to join the Melbourne Victory. I knew they were interested in me one week after the World Cup," he told Fox Sports.

"I really like a new challenge, that's me. I checked a couple of things. Melbourne Victory is the most successful club in the A-League. That's amazing. They became champs many times," he added.

The 23-year-old joins the 2017-18 Division 1 Féminine runners-up, where she will link up with international stars such as Brazil's Formiga and Spain's Jennifer Hermoso as the club participate in the UEFA Women's Champions League.

The move caps an excellent year for Wang, who won the Chinese Women's Player of the Year award after guiding Dalian Quanjian to league success in 2017, before contributing four goals as the Steel Roses finished third in April's AFC Women's Asian Cup.

She moved to Wuhan at the beginning of the 2018 Chinese Women's Super League season but has now been snapped up by the French club, who are coached by former French women's national team boss Olivier Echoufani.

Wang's exposure to French conditions could be a bonus for China PR, as they prepare to compete in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, which will be hosted by France next June.

Muto has signed an initial four-year contract at St. James’ Park after leaving Bundesliga side Mainz 05 – for whom he appeared against the Magpies in last summer’s friendly in Germany.

He becomes the fifth player to link up with Newcastle ahead of the new English Premier League campaign, following the permanent arrivals of Martin Dúbrvaka, Ki Sung-yueng and Fabian Schär, and the loan capture of Robert Kenedy.

Speaking about his move, Muto said: “I am very happy to be a player for Newcastle United. I am really looking forward to playing in front of the fans.

“As the first Japanese Newcastle United player, I am honoured to be a player for such a big club. I hope to achieve good results – that is what I am here to do. I would like to perform well and leave my name in Newcastle’s history.”

The Seagulls, however, have not disclosed the amount they paid to Dutch club Alkmaar to bring the 24-year-old Jahanbakhsh to England's south coast on a five-year deal.

Jahanbakhsh made three appearances for IR Iran at the FIFA World Cup in Russia and was also the leading scorer in the Netherlands' top-flight Eredivisie last season with 21 goals in 33 games.

"We are delighted to welcome Alireza to the club," said Brighton manager Chris Hughton in a statement. "We are particularly pleased to get this deal over the line.

Eight clubs remain in contention for the AFC Champions League, while a further seven are looking to lift the AFC Cup. With the continent's two biggest club competitions to resume in August, the-AFC.com takes a look at some summer signings who have helped deliver success so soon after joining.