IPL: Esmael Goncalves linked with Esteghlal [Report]

Tasnim – TEHRAN, Bissau-Guinean striker Esmael Goncalves has been linked with a move to Iranian football club Esteghlal.

Iranian media reports suggest that the 27-year-old striker has negotiated with Esteghlal officials in Turkey’s training camp.

Goncalves started his playing career in Nice and has also played at Portuguese club Rio Ave, Scottish club Heart of Midlothian and Uzbekistan’s           Pakhtakor.

Though born in the Guinea-Bissau, Goncalves is a naturalized citizen of Portugal. He has represented Portugal at under-17 level.

 In 2010, he was called up to the Portugal under-20 team to participate in training sessions as the team was preparing for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Gonçalves, however, showed up to the camp out of shape and was, ultimately, not considered for the tournament by coach Ilídio Vale.

On 22 March 2018, Goncalves made his debut for Guinea-Bissau starting in a friendly match against Burkina Faso, where Guinea-Bissau suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Esteghalal is preparing for the second half of the Iran Professional League (IPL) season.

The team is a favorite to win IPL title as the team sits fifth in the table, six points behind the leader Sepahan.

Esteghlal will start the IPL season second half with a match against Paykan on February 3.