It seems a major shake-up is on the horizon for the goalkeeping lineups of Iran Pro League’s top four teams. Tractor, Esteghlal, Persepolis, and Sepahan are all reportedly on the hunt for new goalkeepers during the summer transfer window. This chain reaction appears to have started with Sepahan. The Isfahan-based club may once again lose its top goalkeeper, Payam Niazmand.

Niazmand first joined Sepahan in the 2018–19 season but left after three years to join Portimonense in Portugal—a move that didn’t go as planned, prompting his return to Sepahan. Now, the experienced shot-stopper is reportedly eyeing another move, this time to Persepolis.

On the other hand, Persepolis has been unimpressed with Alexis Guendouz’s performances and is seriously considering reinforcing its goalkeeping unit. Niazmand is seen as a top candidate to replace him. With his contract with Sepahan now expired, Persepolis can negotiate freely with the player.

Should Niazmand leave Sepahan, the club would likely look for an experienced replacement, and their top target appears to be Esteghlal’s captain, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, whose contract has also ended. Sepahan is reportedly pursuing Hosseini with serious intent.

Despite Esteghlal having a disappointing season overall, Hosseini shined individually and remains one of the league’s most reliable goalkeepers. He has won several league titles with Esteghlal and kept 18 clean sheets during their unbeaten 2021–22 championship run. Even last season, he managed 8 clean sheets in 27 appearances.

Recently, rumors suggested Esteghlal was negotiating with Alireza Beiranvand, but the club has denied those claims. Still, if Hosseini moves to Sepahan, Esteghlal will be forced to sign a new goalkeeper.

Among the four, Tractor’s situation appears relatively stable, unless Beiranvand faces suspension due to disciplinary issues. If that happens, Tractor will also need to find a temporary replacement, which would mean for the first time in history, all four of Iran’s major teams would experience significant changes in goal.

Goalkeeper Rotation and the Rise in Iran’s Football Quality

If all four title-contending teams change their goalkeepers, it will shake up the technical balance of the league. Such transformations could significantly elevate the quality and competitiveness of the next season. After all, goalkeepers play a crucial role in determining a team’s success.

This potential domino effect, centered around Niazmand and Hosseini, will also heat up the transfer market. These two experienced goalkeepers are the pivotal figures. If Hosseini joins Sepahan and Niazmand goes to Persepolis, all eyes will turn to Esteghlal’s next move. Will they opt for a foreign keeper or trust a domestic one?

Every club is well aware of the consequences. Choosing the wrong goalkeeper could define their entire season before it even begins. In short, this upcoming goalkeeping shuffle among Iran’s Big Four might just take the next season of the Pro League to an entirely new level.