Persian Gulf Pro League’s most valuable foreign players

The Persian Gulf Pro League is one of the top football competitions in the MENA region. The league’s clubs are some of the most competitive in the area and regularly compete at a high level in AFC events. Iran’s teams attract a variety of top players from abroad, especially Brazil. 

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Below are the most valuable foreign players currently competing in the Persian Gulf Pro League. 

Ricardo Alves – Tractor FC

Portuguese midfielder Tractor FC is the highest-valued player currently in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Alves joined Tractor FC in July 2022 from Kazakhstan Premier League club Kairat Almaty. The midfielder came through the FC Porto youth academy before moving to a host of Portuguese clubs. Alves racked up 13 assists in 26 matches in his debut season in the Persian Gulf Pro League. Alves is under contract with Tractor FC until 2025.

Roberto Torres – Foolad

Roberto Torres signed for Foolad in January 2023 after more than a decade with Spain’s Osasuna. The attacking midfielder appeared in just 12 matches in the Persian Gulf Pro League after signing for Fooland. Torres went on to score two goals and assist two goals in 1,012 minutes. Torres may not be back for Fooland for the 2023-24 season. There are still negotiations going on over a contract extension.

Kevin Yamga – Esteghlal FC

Kevin Yamga joined Iranian giants Esteghlal FC in October 2021 from Denmark’s Vejle BK. The full-back came through the youth academy at Italy’s Chievo Verona. He bounced around with several Italian clubs before joining Esteghlal FC. Yamga is just 26 years old and is in the prime of his career. The Parisian-born defender qualifies for Cameroon’s national team due to his family heritage. Yamga is valued at €1.2 million. He scored seven goals and added seven assists in 26 Pro League appearances last season. 

Gustavo – Tractor FC

Brazilian attacking midfielder Gustavo joined Tractor FC in July 2022. The 31-year-old's contract runs until 2024, and he is valued at €800,000. Gustavo turned pro in 2011 with Brazilian club GO Audax. He later moved to Italy and played for Salerno, Salernitana, Novara, Lecce, and Messina. There were also stop-offs in Romania and the United Arab Emirates. Gustavo tallied three goals and three assists in 2022-23, appearing in 29 league fixtures. The Brazilian can play as an attacking midfielder behind a striker or on either wing.

Ygor Catatau – Sepahan FC

Brazilian forward Ygor Catatau signed for Sepahan FC in January 2023. He went on to appear in 11 games, scoring one goal and assisting one. The 27-year-old can play as a central striker or on either wing. His pace and agility are ideal for teams looking to attack from wide areas. Catatau started his career in 2015 with Brazil’s Madureira. He played for a variety of Brazilian clubs, including Boas Esporte, Vasco da Gama, and Vitoria. Catatau moved to India to play for Mumbai City in 2021, his first excursion outside of Brazil. Catatau is valued at €800,000.