Shabab Al-Ahli continues to strengthen its squad with the addition of yet another Iranian talent. The Dubai-based club has officially announced the signing of Reza Ghandipour, a highly rated young striker from Iran’s youth national team setup. The 19-year-old joins on a four-year contract, marking a significant step in his burgeoning career.
Ghandipour, who was born on January 13, 2006, in Behbahan, Iran, has quickly risen through the ranks of Iranian football. He gained national recognition for his performances in the 2022 CAFA U-16 Championship, where he played a pivotal role in Iran’s title-winning campaign. Scoring four goals in the tournament, he not only helped his team lift the trophy but was also named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player—a testament to his impact and potential.
At the club level, Ghandipour spent the previous season on loan, playing for Malavan Bandar Anzali, while being under contract with Paykan Tehran. His impressive displays in the Persian Gulf Pro League attracted attention beyond Iran’s borders. While the exact terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Transfermarkt currently values the young striker at €1 million, underlining the belief in his future prospects. It remains unclear what fee, if any, was paid by Shabab Al-Ahli to secure his release from Paykan.
With this move, Ghandipour becomes the third Iranian international in the current Shabab Al-Ahli squad, joining experienced national team players Sardar Azmoun and Saeed Ezzatollahi. This growing Iranian presence reflects the club’s increasing interest in the Iranian football market, which has produced a wealth of technically gifted and tactically astute players in recent years.
Ghandipour is expected to wear the number 17 shirt for Shabab Al-Ahli in the upcoming season. While he may initially face stiff competition for a starting spot, the club clearly sees him as a long-term investment. His pace, goal-scoring instinct, and composure in front of goal are qualities that could make him a key figure for the UAE Pro League side in the near future.
This move could also serve as a platform for Ghandipour to transition into senior international football with Iran, as consistent performances in a competitive league like the UAE Pro League could catch the eye of Team Melli selectors.