Who knew that a single remark would send the entire media world in a frenzy over the future of a footballer who plays in the lesser known corners of Europe? Saman Ghoddos, ladies and gentlemen, is a name that is being passed around quite a lot among the Premier League ranks.
We all are aware of Arsenal’s embarrassing 1-2 loss to Östersunds FK at the Emirates last week. Prior to the match, Arsene Wenger was asked about his impressions of the players he faced in the first leg (which his side won 0-3) and the Frenchman said, “The best [Ostersunds FK] player in the first leg was [Saman] Ghoddos. Technically and tactically I was impressed by him.”
Everybody in the big leagues of Europe have taken note of the manager’s words and have rushed to check out the 24-year-old’s game.
Ghoddos’ agent Ferhat Cifici was in attendance for the second leg in London and was met with interests from Premier League sides. He has not yet revealed the names of the interested parties but West Ham United are reported to be among the few.
The Hammers too had dispatched their scouts to watch Ghoddos take on the Gunners in their own home pitch.The 24-year-old might not have got on the scoresheet in North London but it was he who set up both of Ostersunds’ goals to seal a stunning 1-2 away win against one of the competitions’ favourites.
However, it was long before the game against Arsenal that Ghoddos was already showing signs of top-flight potential. He charged the Swedish outfit past Galatasaray in the Europa League qualifiers with a goal and an assist in the early stages of the season. He scored twice in the group stages as well and helped the team progress to the knockout stages.
While Ostersunds have won the hearts of Europe, Ghoddos has been the inspiring soldier who has been key to their success. A call-up to the big leagues will only come as a dream not only in terms of a huge leap in the career ladder but also the significant rise in weekly wages.
It was reported that Mesut Ozil’s weekly earnings will cover the entire Ostersunds team’s wage bill by seven times.
Mesut Ozil’s salary would cover Östersund FK’s annual wage bill.
About seven times.
— Nick Harris (@sportingintel) February 22, 2018
West Ham United are in the market for a creative option after facing a huge struggle to replace Manuel Lanzini in the starting lineup. The Argentine’s injury absence did leave a creative void in the team which David Moyes had to address by bringing Joao Mario from Inter Milan on loan.
Ghoddos can take up a similar role when the Brazilian returns to the Serie A outfit after this season.
