Mehdi Taremi joins Al Wasl for second spell in Arab football

Al Wasl have signed Iran striker Mehdi Taremi from Greek club Olympiacos, with the 33-year-old set to wear the number nine shirt for the UAE side.

The club did not disclose either the transfer fee or the length of Taremi’s contract.

The move represents Taremi’s second experience in Arab football. He previously spent two seasons with Qatari club Al Gharafa, scoring 22 goals in 43 appearances before establishing himself in Europe.

Taremi began his European career with Rio Ave during the 2019-20 season. After one campaign in Portugal, he joined Porto, where he continued to build his reputation as one of Asia’s leading forwards.

He later moved to Inter for the 2024-25 season before joining Olympiacos last season. His career across club football has included 486 appearances and 221 goals.

Taremi’s arrival strengthens an Al Wasl squad that has made an impressive start to the current UAE Pro League campaign. The club have won their opening two matches and currently sit at the top of the standings.

Al Wasl will also compete in the AFC Champions League Elite this season after finishing third in the UAE league last term. Their continental campaign is scheduled to begin against Saudi Arabian side Al Qadsiah on 14 September.

The forward’s most recent international involvement came with Iran at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Iran were eliminated in the group stage, with Taremi unable to score during the tournament.

Despite that disappointment, Taremi’s overall career has been marked by considerable success. He has won 12 trophies with his clubs, with the most recent coming last season when he lifted the Greek Super League title with Olympiacos.

His move to Al Wasl gives the Dubai-based club an experienced attacking option with a substantial record at both domestic and international level. It also brings Taremi back to a region where he previously enjoyed a productive spell with Al Gharafa, while offering Al Wasl additional firepower for their domestic title challenge and AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

The club have not announced further details of the agreement, but confirmed that Taremi will play in their number nine shirt.