Tag: Inter Milan

Mehdi Taremi faces possible World Cup ban over Iranian military service

The Daily Mirror, UK.
Story by Nathan Ridley
 

Mehdi Taremi of Iran is celebrating after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 match between Iran and the United Arab Emirates at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Mehdi Taremi of Iran is celebrating after scoring a goal during the AFC Asian Cup 2023 match between Iran and the United Arab Emirates at Education City Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar, on January 23, 2023. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)© Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Iran striker Mehdi Taremi faces being denied entry to the 2026 World Cup over his mandatory military service. Taremi, 33, was prolific during qualification, scoring 10 goals in 15 games as Iran topped both of their groups.

Amir Ghalenoei’s side have been placed in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. They’ll play their fixtures in the US cities of Los Angeles and Seattle.

But Taremi might not be involved. It comes after the president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, Mehdi Taj, revealed that some players are at risk of not receiving visas.

“The United States might not issue visas to some players due to their military service location,” Taj warned. “That’s why we’ve started now and have selected replacements for players who might not receive visas.”

It quickly emerged from various Iranian media outlets that Taremi was among those who the federation chief was referencing. All Iranian men must serve time in a military once they turn 19.

Taremi’s situation, however, is markedly different from most of his team-mates. Between 2010 and 2012, the Olympiacos star served in the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the city of Bushehr near his home.

“My service was right there in Bushehr,” Taremi explained in a 2015 interview. “Close to our own home, at the IRGC Navy base. It wasn’t hard at all.”

The US State Department has firm restrictions for individuals with ties to organisations which it deems as foreign terrorist entities. Their list includes the IRGC.

In a statement provided to Pro Soccer Wire, a US State Department spokesperson didn’t rule out the possibility that some of Iran’s players could see their visa applications denied. “The Trump Administration is committed to doing everything we can to support a successful World Cup,” they said.

Iran's forward #09 Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and the North Korea at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on June 10, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)

Iran’s forward #09 Mehdi Taremi celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asia zone qualifiers group A football match between Iran and the North Korea at the Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran on June 10, 2025. (Photo by ATTA KENARE / AFP) (Photo by ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images)© ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

“At the same time, the administration will not waver in upholding US law and the highest standards of national security and public safety in the conduct of our visa process.

“We adjudicate each visa application on a case-by-case basis after rigorous review and thorough vetting to determine whether the individual is eligible under US law.”

The ex-Inter Milan and Porto star could therefore miss out on the chance to play at back-to-back World Cups. In 2022, Iran came third in a group alongside England, Wales and the United States, finishing third on three points.

Leeds United possible destination of Taremi

Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi will move to the Premier League this summer, with Leeds United ahead of Fulham in the race.

This, according to today’s print edition of Milan-based newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, via FCInter1908.

Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been at the centre of several transfer rumours in recent weeks.

The 33-year-old had a very underwhelming first season at Inter. Therefore, there is a widespread feeling that he will be on his way after just one year at the club.

There have been plenty of clubs to show an interest in Taremi’s signature.

The likes of Botafogo and Flamengo have tried to bring the 33-year-old to Brazil. However, his priority has been to stay in Europe.

Meanwhile, Turkish giants Bestikas have also been eyeing up a move for Taremi.

Taremi Set For Premier League Switch – Leeds United Lead Fulham

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 06: Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the Italian Super Cup Final between FC Internazionale and AC Milan at Kingdom Arena on January 06, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

In the meantime, however, the interest in Taremi’s signature is also arriving from the Premier League.

And that would certainly be an option that the player himself would welcome.

There are a couple teams in particular to show an interest in signing Taremi.

Fulham have targeted the 33-year-old for much of the summer, the Gazzetta dello Sport note.

However, Craven Cottage is not Taremi’s most probable destination.

Instead, the Gazzetta report, Leeds United are closing in. They are keen to sign a striker after winning promotion to the Premier Division, and Taremi is in their sights.

Taremi Still Expected To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Fulham, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United & Besiktas Keen

Iran Star Still Expected To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Fulham, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United & Besiktas Keen
Iran Star Still Expected To Leave Inter Milan This Summer – Fulham, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United & Besiktas Keen

Mehdi Taremi is still expected to leave Inter Milan this summer, with Fulham and West Ham United among the clubs targeting him.

This according to today’s print edition of Rome-based newspaper Corriere dello Sport, via FCInterNews.

Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has been at the centre of a number of transfer rumours in recent weeks.

The 33-year-old had a very underwhelming first season at Inter. Therefore, there is a widespread feeling that he will be on his way after just one year at the club.

There have been plenty of clubs to show an interest in Taremi’s signature. Fulham and West Ham United are reportedly keen to bring the former Porto striker to London.

Meanwhile, the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are also targeting Taremi from within the Premier League.

And Turkish giants Bestikas are also eyeing up a move.

Mehdi Taremi Still Set To Leave Inter This Summer

LECCE, ITALY – JANUARY 26: Mehdi Taremi of Inter celebrates scoring his team’s 4th goal during the Serie A match between Lecce and FC Internazionale at Stadio Via del Mare on January 26, 2025 in Lecce, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)

In the meantime, Taremi has also turned down a move to Botafogo in Brazil.

Reportedly, the 33-year-old’s priority is to remain in Europe.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, though, little has changed. Inter plan to offload Taremi after his unsuccessful first season at the club, and the player himself will accept a departure.

Moreover, the Corriere reports, Taremi’s future has nothing to do with Inter’s pursuit of Ademola Lookman.

Statistics: Mehdi Taremi

Mehdi Taremi’s statistics speak volumes about his value to Team Melli. A key player who has consistently delivered over the years, Taremi’s contributions were particularly significant during the 2024 season, where his goals made a substantial impact. Despite his risky move to Inter Milan in Serie A, where he struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup, his modest club performance amidst stiff competition from world-class players did not significantly affect his performance at the national team level. As the highest scorer and top assist provider for Team Melli, Mehdi Taremi has proven to be an indispensable player for the team.

Many critics doubted Taremi’s readiness and ability to perform at the international level due to his limited playing time at the club. This skepticism was evident in a few matches with Team Melli, where he was wasteful and even missed a penalty. However, his determination and perseverance compensated for these setbacks, ensuring that his performance for Team Melli remained strong.

Mehdi Taremi’s goal tally ranks him third all-time, behind his mentor Ali Daei and teammate Sardar Azmoun. Since his debut in 2015, Taremi has scored 53 goals, solidifying his place among the greats of Iranian football.

The illustration below captures the essence of Taremi’s achievements and highlights his contributions to Team Melli’s success!

Taremi officially joins Inter Milan

Inter has confirmed the signing of Mehdi Taremi on a three-year contract following his departure from Porto.

The deal between Inter and the striker, who left Portugal after seeing out the end of his contract, was reached earlier this year and was confirmed after he completed his medical.

Taremi made 182 appearances for Porto after joining in 2020, scoring 91 goals in all competitions.

The Iran international enjoyed a distinguished four-year spell at the club, winning the Primeira Liga, two Portuguese Super Cups, three Portuguese Cups and the Portuguese League Cup.

Taremi is the third player to move to San Siro so far this transfer window, joining Piotr Zielinski and Josep Martinez at the club.

The Team Melli center forward has expressed his eight as the first Iranian player to join the Italian giants Internazionale of Milan. In his first interview in Milan, Taremi focused on helping his club win matches, score goals, and assist his teammates.

https://youtu.be/xuSPfuZiWik?si=QcIZ6X_ip3t7wILX

Striker Mehdi Taremi will weigh a total of €5.55 million on Inter Milan’s balance sheet for the fiscal year ending next June.

This is according to Italian outlet Calcio e Finanza. The outlet does note that the commissions involved in the deal are not known, however.

Now it’s official. Inter has completed the signing of Taremi on a free transfer.

The Nerazzurri confirmed the Iranian’s arrival yesterday.

Taremi has arrived on a free transfer. His contract with Porto had run out at the end of last month, meaning that he left the Portuguese giants after four years and was able to join another club without a fee.

Inter’s propensity for free transfer signings is hardly a secret.

That is the route via which all of Hakan Calhanoglu, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Andre Onana, and Marcus Thuram have arrived at the Nerazzurri in recent seasons.

And this summer, Taremi is not the only big name free transfer signing that Inter have made.

The Nerazzurri have also brought in Piotr Zielinski after his contract with Napoli ran out.

Mehdi Taremi Weighs Around €5.55M On Inter Milan Balance Sheet

Of course, even without a transfer fee, it is not as though signing Taremi has cost Inter nothing.

Calcio e Finanza note that the commissions involved in the deal have not been revealed. However, it is safe to say that there were some.

But in terms of the wages for the Iranian, Taremi is earning €3 million net per season.

Inter will not be able to apply the Growth Decree to these.

In the past, the Growth Decree would have allowed Inter to spend less on the wages of a player arriving from a foreign league like Taremi.

This would have been the result of lower taxes on the wages.

However, the Italian government scrapped the application of the policy to football last year.

Taremi Set to Elevate Inter Milan’s Attack in 2024-25

By Matteo Pifferi, Editor | June 8, 2024

Mehdi Taremi

Inter Milan is on the cusp of officially securing Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi. The Italian club has yet to officially announce the news of ex-Porto joining the club. Having already completed his medical, Taremi is poised to play a pivotal role for the Nerazzurri in the upcoming season.
Taremi is a free agent and would cost Inter Milan no transfer fee to be paid for Porto, although there is the customary signing-on fee that is usually awarded to players on joining.

Taremi scored a hat trick for Iran against Hong Kong in the FIFA World Cup Qualifying rounds.

A Determined Arrival

Taremi arrives at Inter with clear intentions. He emphatically states, “I’m not here to be a reserve player. I aspire to be more than just an option from the bench.” His ambition is palpable, and he aims to climb the ranks, leaving no doubt about his desire to contribute significantly from the first minute.

Beyond Luxury Alternatives

The Iranian forward won’t settle for a luxury role. Instead, he seeks to surpass expectations. Taremi’s mission is to become indispensable, not merely a backup to Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez. Unlike Alexis Sanchez and Marko Arnautovic, who played supporting roles this season, Taremi aims for greater importance within the squad.

Instilling Confidence

Tuttosport highlights Taremi’s determination to win over teammates and fans alike. He plans to impress Inzaghi, ensuring that the coach considers him for every game and competition. Taremi’s debut in Portugal, where he scored a hat-trick for Rio Ave, serves as a testament to his capabilities.

Training Advantage

Unlike his national team-bound counterparts, Taremi can start training immediately. This advantage positions him well enough to convince Inzaghi of his readiness to lead Inter’s attack during a demanding season.

Mehdi Taremi’s arrival promises excitement and ambition at Inter Milan. Fans eagerly await his impact on the pitch.

1: Source: Taremi & Carboni to complete revamped Inter attack in 2024-25