Asian clubs' surge: Taremi to Al Wasl, Nunez to Al Diriyah

Mehdi Taremi and Darwin Nunez were highlighted as two of the biggest names moving in Asian football, with the Iranian striker joining Al Wasl and the Uruguayan forward signing for Al Diriyah, as clubs across Asia continue to strengthen their squads.

Asian clubs reinforce squads

Across the continent, teams are seeking to fill gaps left by departing stars and to adapt to new tactical approaches. The moves of Taremi and Nunez illustrate the broader trend of clubs in Asia, from the United Arab Emirates to the Gulf, bolstering their attacking options. The announcements came from Kuala Lumpur, underscoring the region’s active transfer market.

Key transfers confirmed

Mehdi Taremi completed his transfer to Al Wasl, becoming one of the marquee signings announced from Kuala Lumpur. The Iranian forward’s arrival is seen as a direct response to the club’s need for proven goal‑scoring talent.

Darwin Nunez joined Al Diriyah, adding another high‑profile name to the club’s roster. The Uruguayan striker’s move, also reported from Kuala Lumpur, reflects Al Diriyah’s ambition to compete at the top of the domestic league.

Both clubs will now focus on registering the new players and integrating them ahead of the upcoming season, with fitness assessments and tactical briefings expected in the weeks to come.

Other Asian sport highlights

Two goals in seven second‑half minutes from Nguyen Hai Long and Nguyen Quang Hai gave Vietnam a 2‑0 win over Thailand in the first leg of the ASEAN Championship 2026 final on Saturday, keeping Kim Sang‑sik’s side on course for a successful defence of the title.

Indonesia were crowned champions in the eFootball Console competition of the FIFAe Continental Championship 2026, organized by the AFC, after beating Japan in Saturday’s enthralling Final.

India secured the inaugural eFootball Mobile championship by edging Japan in the Final on Saturday, completing the AFC‑run tournament’s conclusion.

The AFC Women’s Champions League 2026/27™ Group Stage cast will be finalised after the Preliminary Stage ends on Sunday, while Japan international Ko Itakura completed a return to the German Bundesliga by re‑signing for Borussia Monchengladbach.