We love a bizarre transfer rumour here at Sport Witness, and the idea of international goalscoring legend Ali Daei joining Everton certainly fits that bill.
Kicker provide the undisputed odd rumour of the day, stating that the Iranian legend could be about to join the Blues.
The German newspaper report that a Premier League club are ‘interested in working with’ the 51-year-old coach, who is currently without a job after leaving Persian Gulf Pro League side Saipa FC in May last year.
‘According to rumours’ this Premier League side is none other than Everton, although it is ‘still unclear’ what his role would be at Goodison Park.
Daei, for those that don’t know, is famous for being the highest international goalscorer in the history of the game, having racked up 109 goals in 149 games for Iran during a playing career that saw him turn out for the likes of Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin too.
He retired in 2007 and has since worked as a manager, with his most high-profile role being a nine-game stint in charge of Iran between March 2008 and 2009.
He’s worked for various sides in his home country and the Persian Gulf Pro League since, but now could be set for a return to the ‘international football stage’ with Everton if the rumours are true.
Now, as Kicker make clear, there’s not even a hint of what that role might be, and we can’t for the life of us think of one either given Everton’s current coaching setup under Carlo Ancelotti.
That leads us to think this has something to do with the Blues majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who is obviously Iranian.
Perhaps he’s looking to do a legend a favour and give him some work in these tough times, as a scout or something of that nature.
Alternatively, maybe Carlo Ancelotti thinks his forwards need a little help and has turned to a renowned international goalscorer for guidance.
That seems unlikely, but if 2020 has taught us anything it’s to expect the unexpected, so this is one we’ll be keeping an eye on.
