Khalatbari joins Sepahan

Thursday, 12 July 2012 11:32

Esfahan: AFC Champions League quarter-finalists Sepahan strengthened their squad by adding experienced Iran international Mohammed Reza Khalatbari into their ranks. Sepahan beat stiff competition from Tehran rivals Persepolis and Esteghlal to get the signature of the 28-year old who made his permanent move from Qatar’s Al Gharafa after staying on a season-long loan with Dubai based Al Wasl Club. Since the deadline is August 11 for the registration of new players in the ACL, Sepahan are expected to rope in Khalatbari for the double-header quarter-finals against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli. Khalatbari will take the place of Brazilian Bruno Cesar who opted to move to UAE’s Al Nasr last month. Also to leave Sepahan after the Iranian domestic season finished in May were Mohsen Bengar and Jalal Hosseini who joined Persepolis. Sepahan will entertain Al Ahli at Foolad Shahr Stadium on September 19 while the return leg will be played at Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium in Jeddah on October 2.