Written by Armin Karimi
Iranian football continues to expand its footprint in Persian Gulf countries, with another exciting prospect making the leap: Reza Ghandipour has officially signed for Shabab Al-Ahli in the UAE Pro League for a fee of around €1.00m. At just 19 years old, the talented striker is moving beyond Iranian football for the first time and many believe this is the best step to further his development and career.
While several clubs had expressed interest in Ghandipour, notably Esteghlal (Iran) and Dinamo Makhachkala (Russia), his decision to join Shabab Al-Ahli appears to be the most strategic in my opinion. The Dubai based club is one of the most prestigious in the UAE, regularly competing for titles and featuring in continental competitions like the AFC Champions League.
Shabab Al-Ahli is a club with strong regional ties, including close relations with Iran through their ownership, many of whom are of Achomi origin. The club also carries pedigree on the continental stage, having reached the AFC Champions League final in 2015.
Domestically, they are supported by one of the best fanbases in the UAE, known for their passion and loyalty. The club’s ultras group, Red Boys, brings a vibrant atmosphere to matches, giving players an added boost at home.
Moreover, Ghandipour won’t be alone. He joins two senior members of Team Melli, Sardar Azmoun and Saeid Ezatolahi, both of whom are important players for the club. Their presence should provide a valuable support network, easing Ghandipour’s adaptation to a new league and lifestyle.
He won’t be the only young Iranian in the UAE either as his Iran U20 teammate, Mobin Dehghan, has also recently joined the league with Al-Wahda, where Team Melli regular Mohammad Ghorbani plays.
I know you may be asking, will he get good minutes? Currently, Reza Ghandipour has a genuine opportunity to establish himself as a regular starter, especially if he starts the season strongly. With Sardar Azmoun still recovering from the injury he sustained near the end of last season, though it’s predicted he will return for the beginning of the season, and the club’s second-choice striker, Munas Dabbur currently a free agent, there is a clear gap in the squad’s attacking options. This opens the door for Ghandipour to step in and claim that spot. He needs to show his hunger, sharpness, and talent from day one. If he can, there’s a strong chance he and Azmoun could form the club’s primary striker partnership once Azmoun returns to full fitness. Ghandipour has a contract valid for 3 years, he has time to shine and I believe he can make an impact for his debut season in this new environment immediately.
Ghandipour’s move comes off the back of an impressive season with Malavan in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Across the 24/25 season, he tallied:
(Source: Transfermarkt.com & Football360)
The talented forward also won the Toopa Award (Iranian Balon d’Or) for The Best Young Player of the Season.
Currently valued at €1.00 million, Ghandipour is a player on the rise. His performances in the UAE Pro League will be closely monitored, particularly by European scouts. The UAE’s professional infrastructure, coupled with exposure to continental competitions, could prove to be the ideal launchpad for a European transfer in the near future. Sardar Azmoun attracted interest from Europe after his standout debut season with 24 Goals and 10 assists in 35 Games.
More importantly, a successful stint in the UAE could help Ghandipour secure his first Team Melli call up, a significant milestone for any Iranian footballer. Given his trajectory, it feels like only a matter of time before he earns that opportunity.
In terms of market value within the club, Ghandipour is tied for second among Shabab Al-Ahli’s forwards:
Not a bad company to be in and plenty of room to grow.
For now, his priority is clear: adapt, perform, and shine. If Ghandipour can translate his domestic form to the UAE Pro League, he’ll not only raise his profile but also position himself as a key player for Iran’s national team moving forward.
Iranian football fans will be watching closely, hopeful that this next chapter is the start of a long and successful international career. Personally, I’m excited to see what Ghandipour can achieve this season. We all want the world to notice his talent and this is his stage.
