Gaël Kakuta has parted ways with Esteghlal FC after less than half a year at the Iranian club. The Congolese international’s contract, originally set to run until June, was terminated by mutual agreement following Esteghlal’s 1-0 home defeat to Caspian Qazvin on Monday.
Esteghlal announced Kakuta’s departure on its official X account, stating: “This evening, after a meeting between the club management, Kakuta, and his representative, both parties reached an agreement to end their cooperation.
Esteghlal Club thanks Kakuta for his efforts during his half-season with the team.”
Kakuta, who has earned 27 caps and scored three goals for DR Congo, joined Esteghlal in August but struggled to make an impact during his brief stint.
In 18 appearances across all competitions, the former French youth international managed just one assist and failed to score.
Poor Form and Collective Struggles
Kakuta’s omission from the matchday squad against Caspian Qazvin hinted at an impending departure.
The announcement of his exit came amidst a challenging period for Esteghlal, which has gone five consecutive matches without a win, including four league draws.
Currently sitting 11th in the 16-team league, Esteghlal’s poor form appears to have influenced the decision to cut ties with Kakuta.
The club’s statement reflects an urgency to address its struggles, with the Congolese forward’s underwhelming contributions adding to the mounting pressure.
A New Chapter Ahead
For Kakuta, who began his career with high expectations as a former Chelsea prospect and France youth star, this marks another chapter in a career that has seen stints across various leagues. Now a free agent, the Lille-born attacker will need to identify his next opportunity.
Esteghlal, on the other hand, will aim to turn its season around without Kakuta as it looks to climb out of the bottom half of the table.
The decision to part ways underscores the challenges faced by both the player and the club during a tumultuous campaign.
Kakuta’s departure brings an end to a short-lived tenure in Tehran, as both sides move on in search of improved fortunes.
عصر امروز (دوشنبه) پس از جلسه میان مدیران باشگاه #استقلال با کاکوتا و مدیربرنامههای او، طرفین برای قطع همکاری به توافق رسیدند.
باشگاه استقلال از تلاشهای کاکوتا در نیم فصل حضورش در این باشگاه تشکر میکند. pic.twitter.com/CPIMvhpOic
— استقلال تهران (@FcEsteghlal) January 20, 2025
