Sydney FC sign footballing ‘Gucci’ in the nick of time

Defending A-League premiers Sydney FC have lured classy Iranian striker Reza ‘Gucci’ Ghoochannejhad on a loan deal.

Reza Ghoochannejhad during his stint with SC Heerenveen in the Netherlands last season. Picture: AAP

They cut it fine, but Sydney FC have got their man with the signing of classy Iranian World Cup striker Reza Ghoochannejhad until the end of the season.

In what is a significant boost to their attacking depth, the Sky Blues managed to secure a loan deal for the man nicknamed “Gucci” with just days to spare before the end of the January transfer window.

Given his impressive resume, Ghoochannejhad, 31, will add significant depth to Sydney FC’s ­attacking third and will be expected to form a lethal combination with Adam Le Fondre and captain Alex Brosque.

It is believed he is in serious contention to make his debut for the club against Melbourne City on Sunday at Jubilee Stadium as they look to keep their Premier’s Plate hopes alive.

Ghoochannejhad has signed on loan from Cypriot club APOEL, where he played 10 games for two goals.

He represented Iran at the 2014 and 2018 World Cup finals as well as the 2015 Asian Cup.

Born in Iran, he emigrated to The Netherlands at an early age and quickly came to the notice of Dutch football officials. He represented them at 16s, 17s, 18s and 19s before debuting in a full inter­national for the country of his birth in 2012. He was capped 44 times for Iran (17 goals).

In between he forged a good career playing club football with Dutch sides SC Heerenveen and Go Ahead Eagles. He also had stints at Belgium club Standard Liege and English Championship club Charlton Athletic.

Ghoochannejhad retired from international football after the World Cup finals in Russia last July.

He said he was excited by the challenge of joining the defending premiers.

“To be joining Australia’s most successful club is a fantastic move for me, and to test myself against the best in Australia and Asia will be an unbelievable experience,” he said. “Sydney FC’s record in recent times is phenomenal and they have some fantastic players.

“I can’t wait to link up with my new teammates, help them add to their success and bring more ­trophies to the club.”

Sydney coach Steve Corica said his signing was a double bonus as it would enable him to play as an Asian player in the Asian Champions League.

“Reza is an exciting and attacking striker who will score goals and give us a different option upfront,” Corica said. “The fact he qualifies as an Asian player under the Champions League three plus one ruling is going to be a huge benefit to us and vital to our challenge for the trophy.

“We’ve had our eye on him for a while and when the opportunity came up to sign him, we didn’t hesitate.

“He is an intelligent player, with a first-class attitude and an immaculate character, so he will fit into the Sydney FC culture seamlessly.”