Who can join Azmoun and Jahanbakhsh at the elite levels of the game?

Serious talent is beginning to emerge from the Iranian national squad, with many players making the journey into European football to face off against the best in the world on a weekly basis.

The example of Sardar Azmoun and his exploits for Zenit St Petersburg have been noted in the past, while Alireza Jahanbakhsh continues to be part of Brighton and Hove Albion’s squad under Graham Potter in the English Premier League.

However, others are showcasing their talent and could be next in line for a move to the Premier League or UEFA Champions League calibre outfits across the continent. We’ll now look at three players that are capable of surging up the leagues to join their established international team-mates.

Mehdi Taremi

The forward is already on the second step of the ladder in Portugal. At the age of 28, he secured a £4m move to Porto in the summer after impressing in his first campaign in the Primeira Liga with Rio Ave. Taremi scored 18 goals in 30 appearances, catching the eye of Sergio Conceicao and earning the opportunity to lead the line for the Portuguese champions.

He has played five matches in the Primeira Liga to date, but has not managed to get off the mark following his switch. However, Taremi does have all the exploits to become a success at the highest level for Porto, although he has been used a substitute in their opening two Champions League matches. The forward has a good frame at 6ft 2in to fend off defenders and play up front on his own, which hands Conceicao flexibility with his system.

Taremi is also a predator with an excellent goalscoring record at club and international level. It may take a little time for the 28-year-old to find his feet with a new team, but his quality will come to the fore soon enough. It would not be a surprise to him become a hit with the Azuis e brancos, and perhaps earn another switch in the future, although time is against him.

Milad Mohammadi

Mohammadi caught the attention of football fans across the globe with his high-profile long-throw fail against Spain in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, the full-back is becoming a stout defender and capable of playing against the best in Europe on a regular basis. The 27-year-old moved to Gent in the Belgian Pro League in 2019 and has locked down a starting spot in their defence in both league and European games.

Gent’s defeat to Dynamo Kiev has prevented him from playing in the Champions League this term, although Wim De Decker’s team are still operating in the Europa League. Mohammadi has the ability to play on both sides of the defence, although his primary position is left-back. He has been a reliable starter for Gent over the last two years and in his four seasons for Akhmat Grozny before his switch to Belgium.

Mohammadi’s pedigree has been noted by teams in the Premier League, as well as Rangers in the Scottish Premier League. Leeds were reportedly interested in a £6m move for the 27-year-old to provide competition for Stuart Dallas. He has the energy and physical presence to suit the English top-flight and has the propensity to improve under the guidance of Marcelo Bielsa. It could be a transfer worth monitoring for the future.

Saman Ghoddos

Ghoddos has moved to a very intriguing team in the form of Brentford. The Bees have recruited brilliantly over the last few seasons, replacing stars with relative ease. Ghoddos could be the next man to arrive at the club and thrive, although Brentford’s success in the transfer market has not resulted in their promotion to the Premier League yet.

Ghoddos could be the key to finally getting over the hump. They’re backed at 5.50 in the Championship Winner outright market at Betway as of 30th October, but the Bees have to find their form after a sluggish start to the term.

Ghoddos joined on loan from Amiens to slot into a talented forward line alongside Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney. The 27-year-old has not got off the mark yet, but he should certainly have no issues down the stretch as he adjusts to life in the English game.

The forward will also be able to provide ammunition for the goal machine Toney in the final third to showcase the creative side of his game. Ghoddos needs to look no further than the example of Said Benrahma of how performing well in the second tier for Brentford can attract Premier League attention following his move to West Ham. We shall watch Ghoddos’ season with great interest.

These are three players that are making a name for themselves and Iranian football. This may only be the start of journeys to the very top of the game.