Linked with Borussia Dortmund and said to be one of world football’s rising stars along with Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere, Manchester United’s Javier Hernandez and Barcelona’s Thiago Alcantara, Karim Ansarifard is the best young player you’ve never heard of.
The 21-year-old Iranian striker, who plays for Iran Pro League team Saipa, is considered the heir to Ali Daei, the former Bayern Munich striker who holds the record for the most goals scored in international football.
Besides Bundesliga champions Dortmund, who were said to have offered €5 million for his services, Ansarifard has also been linked with Premier League side Everton, as well as Rubin Kazan and Steaua Bucharest, who had a €200,000 half-season loan bid rejected.