ISL 8: Bengaluru FC rope in Iranian midfielder Iman Basafa

Bengaluru FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Iranian midfielder Iman Basafa, on a deal that runs until the end of their 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign.

Bengaluru FC on Tuesday announced the signing of Iranian midfielder Iman Basafa, on a deal that runs until the end of their 2021-22 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign. Basafa, who most recently turned out for Machine Sazi in the Persian Gulf Pro League, is Blues head coach Marco Pezzaiuoli's tenth signing of the summer.

A member of Iran's youth teams, Basafa has represented his national side at the U17, U20 and U23 levels. The move to Bengaluru sets up the first stint outside Iran for the 29-year-old, who expressed his excitement at being part of the Bengaluru FC project. "I'm very happy to join Bengaluru FC and to come to a country like India where football is growing very fast. I'm excited for what lies ahead, for myself and for our team, and I hope to be able to contribute," Basafa said in a statement.

"BFC is a champion team with a good mentality, and I am looking forward to meeting my new teammates and working hard for the season," he added. Basafa, who started his youth career at Shahrdari Bandar Abbas, had several spells with teams in Iran's top divisions, before making his professional debut with Shahrdari Arak in 2012.

He made his AFC Champions League bow with Esteghlal FC in 2014 and went on to play for Fajr Sepasi Shiraz, Malavan, Aluminium Arak and Pars Jonoubi Jam, racking up over 100 appearances in the Azadegan League. "Iman is a player who is comfortable in different positions in the midfield. He's someone who has a physical presence, is good with his head, and possesses traits of a leader," said Pezzaiuoli.

"He is also someone who likes to shoot from distance. With his experience and presence, he will strengthen the squad and we look forward to welcoming him soon," he added. The Blues will take on NorthEast United in their ISL opener, at the Athletic Stadium, in Bambolim, on November 20. (ANI)

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