Everyone expected Bojan Najdenov to become new player of Polish side Korona, but at the end he ended up in Iranian eight times champions Esteghlal.

photo by Esteghlal FC: Najdenov is being presented

The 26-year-old deep-lying playmaker spent the winter preparations with the Polish team where originally came on trial. It was announced that he did well and would sign a contract upon the team’s return in Poland.

However, the Iranian reacted quickly and snapped Najdenov whom they scouted while playing for Egyptian side Smouha. Bojan signed a year and a half contract with Esteghlal, team that also competes in the Asian Champions League. The team is led by German manager Winfried Schäfer whose biggest success was the title champions of Africa with Cameroon in 2002.

The Giants of Asia, as Esteghlal is know, are currently 6th, far from table leaders Persepolis. In the Champions League they are in Group D together with Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia), Al-Rayyan (Qatar) and Al-Ain (UAE).

Najdenov may debut this Friday when Esteghlal welcomes Sepidrood at the famous Azadi stadium in Tehran.