Costa Rican defender on the verge of joining Persepolis

Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Costa Rican defender Michael Umaña is expected to complete his move to Persepolis FC after successfully passing a medical test on Sunday.

Persepolis are keen to bring a successor to Jalal Hosseini who left the red giants in the summer to join Qatari club Al Ahli. Persepolis coach Ali Daei believes Umaña would be able to fill the void left by Hosseini.

Umaña has previously played for Los Angeles Galaxy, Chivas USA, Liberia Mia, Herediano and Carmelita.

The 32-year old defender was a regular starter in Costa Rica’s surprise World Cup campaign in Brazil. During the round of 16, Umaña converted Costa Rica’s decisive fifth kick in a 5–3 penalty shootout defeat of Greece. In the quarter-final against the Netherlands, Umaña was one of two Costa Ricans to have his kick saved by Tim Krul in a 4–3 penalty shootout loss.