Iraq and Zakho Club goalkeeper, Ali Kadhim, revealed the reason for his rejection of tempting offers he received from big clubs in the Iraqi Premier League.
Iraqi goalkeeper Ali Kadhim renewed his contract with his team Zakho for an additional season, after an exceptional season in the Iraqi Premier League, especially since he won the title of best goalkeeper of the season in the league. Stars of Iraqafter conceding 20 goals in 38 matches.
Kazem said in media statements: “The police, students, Najaf and Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya clubs submitted official offers to include me in the current summer transfer period, and frankly these offers were higher than Zakho’s offer, but I chose to stay in Zakho in order to settle down and develop my levels better than last season, and I aspire to be better in the next season than the current season.”
Iraq goalkeeper Ali Kadhim reveals the offers he received
The Iraqi goalkeeper added: “The official negotiations were initially with Al-Shorta Club, the Iraqi Premier League champion, but they did not go well because they wanted me to play as a reserve goalkeeper and not a starter, so the negotiations faltered and did not succeed. As for Al-Talaba Club, the elegant goalkeeper coach Hashim Khamis contacted me to sign with the team, but when I chose between it and Zakho, I chose Zakho.”
He added: “The management of Al-Quwa Al-Jawiya Club recently made me an official offer, but I apologized due to my commitment to a contract with Zakho. Frankly, my experience with Zakho Club was successful and I aspire for the best for me and the team’s fans.” He noted that “Zakho, under the leadership of Qatari coach Talal Al-Balushi, can achieve the best results next season, especially with keeping the most important elements of the team.”
Regarding Iraqi national teamKazem confirmed, saying: “Continuous work and diligence are the reason I joined the national team. Spanish coach Jesus Casas loves to motivate the players and encourage them to perform at their best. I have a lot to offer Iraq, and the road is still long to achieve the best.”
Iraq goalkeeper Ali Kadhim was called up to the national team for the first time in his career in Iraq’s matches against Indonesia and Vietnam, in the fifth and sixth rounds of the Asian qualifiers for the 2027 Asian Cup and the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
