Iran volleyball prospect Hosseini on verge of Perugia move: Report
Iranian volleyball prodigy Seyyed Matin Hosseini is closing in on a high-profile move to Italian powerhouse Umbria Volley Perugia, Varzesh3 reported on Sunday. The outside hitter, who played for Iranian club Paykan last season, is expected to have the transfer officially confirmed in the coming days.
If finalized, the move would rank among the most significant overseas transfers involving an Iranian volleyball player in recent years, joining the likes of Amir Ghafour and Pouria Hosseinkhanzadeh at Lube Civitanova, Amin Esmaeilnejad at Verona, Milad Ebadipour at Allianz Milano, and legendary setter Saeid Marouf at Zenit Kazan.
Hosseini first rose to international prominence two years ago when he helped Iran win the FIVB Boys’ U21 World Championship and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.
The young star produced a standout performance in the final against Italy, particularly with his serving, and reports suggest Perugia’s scouts may have begun tracking him during that tournament. Perugia has established itself as one of the world’s leading volleyball clubs, winning 10 major titles across domestic, European, and international competitions over the past three seasons, including success at the FIVB Club World Championship last year.
A move to the Italian heavyweights would see Hosseini work under renowned head coach Angelo Lorenzetti – a development that could accelerate the youngster’s progress and ultimately benefit the Iranian national team.
According to reports, Hosseini is being lined up as a replacement for Japanese international Yuki Ishikawa, who is expected to leave Perugia for Turkish side Ziraat Bankasi ahead of next season.