Azmoun arrived in Leverkusen from Zenit Saint Petersburg in January 2022 having played 44 games, scoring five times and laying on four assists before spending last season on loan with Serie A side AS Roma.
“Shabab Al-Ahli is the best,” the 29-year-old said in a video posted by his new club on X.
Azmoun has played 83 times for Iran, scoring 53 goals and has featured in three AFC Asian Cup tournaments, showcasing his skills and contributing to his team’s efforts on the continental stage.
He made his first World Cup appearance in a 1-0 victory over Morocco in Russia 2018.
Shabab Al Ahli, who finished runners-up to Al Wasl in the UAE Pro League last season, are aiming to reach the group stage of the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/2025.
They face a crucial preliminary round fixture against the Iranian side Sepahan, where a victory will secure their spot in the tournament’s group stage.
Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur have signed Korea Republic winger Yang Min-hyeok from K League 1 side Gangwon FC on a six-year deal, with the 18-year-old set to join in January.
Having represented Korea Republic at Under 17 level, Yang scored eight goals and provided four assists in 25 appearances for Gangwon.
“First of all, joining such a big club is an honour. I will try my best to show my best,” said Yang on Tottenham’s website. “I don’t think that I am that young. And I am chasing my dream. It is a big challenge, I believe I can show and prove my talent.
“Joining a big club like Spurs means that the club acknowledges my abilities. I believe that if I do my best and work hard, I will automatically improve a lot.
“When I move (to London), adapting will be important. There is Sonny, this will be a big help for my adapting process since we are both Korean. Sonny is captain of Korea Republic, I would say he had a big influence on my decision.”
Yang will join countryman Son Heung-min, who captains Spurs and Korea Republic, at the North London club.
Tottenham begin their Premier League campaign at promoted Leicester City on August 19.
Malaysia Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, meanwhile, have bolstered their squad with the acquisition of three new signings.
The team has secured the services of Park Jun-heong, a seasoned defender from Thai League 1’s Ratchaburi F.C. The 31-year-old Korean brings a wealth of experience, having previously played in the Portuguese League, as well as for K League’s Suwon Samsung Bluewings and Kitchee in Hong Kong.
In addition to Park, the club has also welcomed 27-year-old French winger Enzo Lombardo. Lombardo joins from Spanish second-division side Huesca, where he has been a standout performer with his pace and creativity on the wing.
Completing the trio of new signings is goalkeeper Christian Abad Amat. The Spain-born player, who has Malaysian ancestry, has been part of Elche’s youth set-up and has also trained with Valencia and Alcoyano. His diverse training background and dual heritage add depth to the team’s goalkeeping options.
JDT will be playing in the AFC Champions League Elite 2024/2025 group stage with the draw set to take place on August 16 in Kuala Lumpur.
