Nikbakht Ends Specualtion; Officially re-signs with Reds

PFDC - TEHRAN, After few weeks of speculation and on the brink of signing with his old team and cross town rivals Esteghlal, Ali-Reza Nikbakht Vahedi finally came to terms with Persepolis today and will be playing under Afshin Ghotbi once again this season.

Nikbakht was almost lured to his old club by former manager Amir Ghalenoi, but due to the recent revelation of a serious injury to striker Persepolis striker Mohsen Khalili, Persepolis and club chairman Dariush Mostafavi made it a priority to resign Nikbakht at any cost.

The left winger has supposedly reconciled with Reds manager Afshin Ghotbi, at least for the time being. Nikbakht had disciplinary problems last season with the club, as he was benched for a few crucial games down the championship stretch. Nikbakht had been deduced to a substitute by Ghotbi after a few performances that left anything but a lasting impression on the Iranian-American coach.

Khalili’s injury surely had a profound impact on this signing. Persepolis will be looking to defend their Persian Gulf League title as well as compete for the continents ultimate prize in the Asian Champions League. Nikbakht’s importance has increased substantially and Ghotbi will be relying on him to carry the brunt of the teams attacking force until Khalili returns.