Saman Ghoddos Under Manchester City Radar

Manchester City, last season champion of Premier League, is having Iranian winger Saman Ghoddos on its radar as the talent finder club watched him in a game against Elfsborg last weekend, mcfcwatch.com quoted the Swedish media as saying.

Manchester City’s strategy of signing relatively unknown players for small fees with the aim of profiting in some way could continue after it was revealed that a club scout watched Ghoddos at the weekend, Mcfcwatch.com wrote on Tuesday.

Ghoddos, who plays for Östersunds FK in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s professional football league, featured for 90 minutes against Elfsborg before the watchful eyes of a Man City representative.

The 24-year-old, who can play in several attacking roles, has scored 8 goals in 14 appearances for his club this season. He was also at the World Cup with Iran, appearing as a substitute against Morocco, Spain and Portugal.

He is considered too good for Swedish football now and according to Expressen.se is almost certain to leave Sweden soon. He has already turned down interest from Chinese clubs despite their high payment since he wants the best sporting experience for himself, preferring a stay in Europe.

“I want to take a new step,” said Ghoddos. “And one thing that I don’t think about is money.”

French trio Bordeaux, Amiens and Rennes are keen on him and so, it seems, is Manchester City, which in case of signing him, may first send him on loan somewhere - perhaps to a sister club such as NAC Breda. He was also linked to Celta Vigo in Spanish top-tier La Liga in January.

According to the Swedish media the club has reportedly offered a $5.7 million offer for the Iranian player. Ghoddos has said he will choose among the options and his departure from Swedish club is probable in summer.

To add intrigue to the situation, Östersunds’ president Daniel Kindberg avoided a direct answer when asked if Manchester City had placed a bid for the Iranian.

“You never know,” Kindberg replied cryptically.

Manchester City is known to invest in such talent every summer and usually sell them on for profits after a loan move or two - or use them to help a CFG partner club reach its objectives. Ghoddos may well be Premier League club’s next investment if the Blues follow up on scouting of him.