Liverpool are reportedly on the heels of Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun.
The 21-year old rising star plies his trade at Russian club FC Rostov. Azmoun developed playing for Iranian youth team sides but quickly piqued the interests of various clubs. Top European sides were watching him, and local Irani sides like Esteghlal, Sepahan and others offered him deals but he rejected them. Azmoun preferred a move to Russia when he decided to play for Rubin Kazan. The move made him the first Iranian footballer to switch to the Russian Premier League.
Azmoun took time to settle in Russia, but eventually scored four goals and had three assists in 14 games. His second season was slow as well, forcing the club to loan him to Rostov. His performances earned him an extension of his loan deal. Rostov’s gamble paid off as he scored nine goals in the next season. His contributions this term make Liverpool take interest in him. The 6’1 striker is expected to compete with Daniel Sturridge and Divock Origi at Anfield. The fact that he could play in various capacities would make Coach Jurgen Klopp keen on signing him.
At the international level, Azmoun’s records are breathtaking. Azmoun has netted 16 times in 22 appearances for Iran. Rostov is quite defensive and this could influence the number of goals he could score a season. For an attacking side like Liverpool, he could get more opportunities to score more goals.
If Azmoun moves to Anfield, his career route would not be any different from that of former Arsenal striker Andrei Arshavin and Yuri Zhirkov. The transfer might not go as smooth going by these antecedents, and this might make him reject a move to England. Sadio Mane is set to play in the African Nations Cup in January, Ings is always injured and Roberto Firmino might need an extra hand aside the current crop of player, else a possible move for Azmoun in January.