Iranian footballer Noorafkan linked with move to Belgium’s Royal Charleroi Sporting Club

Belgium’s Royal Charleroi Sporting Club has reportedly expressed interest in signing Iranian professional footballer Omid Noorafkan.

The Charleroi-base club, which currently plays in the Belgian Pro League, is trying to sign the 21-year-old Iranian, who plays for Persian Gulf Pro League club Esteghlal and the Iran men’s national football team, and has officially submitted its request.

Esteghlal’s German manager Winfried Schäfer, however, has adamantly opposed Noorafkan’s transfer, stating that he needs him in his team’s line-up for the Persian Gulf Pro League, Hazfi Cup as well as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League.

Noorafkan joined Esteghlal as a youth player in 2012 at the age of 15, and played for the Blues’ under-19 team. He was promoted to the senior squad before the start of the 2015–16 season.

Last August, Noorafkan was called up for the first time for the Iran men’s national football team, domestically known as Team Melli, by Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz for Iran's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Korea and Syria.

He made his official debut in a warm-up match against Sierra Leone on March 17, 2018. Noorafkan assisted Mohammad Reza Khanzadeh's goal during the match, which Team Melli won 4-0.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk