Kings agree deal with Iranian Shafiei

Bashundhara Kings have come to an agreement with Iranian defender Khaled Shafiei, who is expected to arrive in Dhaka early next month as the club's fourth and last foreign recruit for the 2020-21 season.

The Bangladesh Premier League champion offered a one-year contract to the 33-year old, starting from October. 

“The deal is almost final. He agreed terms of the offer letter that we sent. The official signing will take place after he arrives. Hopefully he will join us in the first week of October,” Kings president Imrul Hasan told Dhaka Tribune. 

Having played at Persian Gulf Pro League outfit Sepahan FC previously, Shafiei will be the replacement of Argentine defender Nicholas Delmonte, one of four Kings recruits last season, after the latter’s contract was not extended.

Bashundhara earlier signed Brazilian winger Robinho and midfielder Fernandez for the upcoming season. 

The other foreign player, former Argentine international striker Hernan Barcos’ contract will expire in December. 

Rumors were doing the rounds that Barcos might leave Bangladesh for an Italian club, but the BPL winner are determined to keep Lionel Messi's former teammate, who struck four goals in his only game in a Kings jersey in their AFC Cup debut in March this year.

“We are also close to finalizing the extension of Barcos, and keep him at the club for the whole season,” said Imrul. 

Bangladesh Football Federation Thursday decided to allow registration of four foreign players at each club for the 2020-21 season set to kick off in December this year.