Former Bristol City striker Mo Eisa has completed a move to Iranian top-flight side Nassaji Mazandaran on a free transfer.
The 30-year-old forward, who was once the subject of a £1.5m transfer to Ashton Gate during his time in the Football League, joins the Persian Gulf Pro League after being released by Exeter City at the end of last season. He was also once Peterborough United’s most expensive signing, costing them £1.3 million.
Eisa, who also played for Cheltenham Town and MK Dons, scored an impressive 239 senior appearances in England, scoring 80 goals. His move to Nassaji comes six years after a proposed big-money transfer, which many believed could have altered the promotion hopes of a former suitor, never materialised.
🇮🇷 El #FC_Nassaji ha fichado al delantero sudanés Mohamed Eisa (30 | #MK_Dons) como agente libre. Firma por una temporada. pic.twitter.com/1mx49dzMdi
— Mercatosphera (@mercatosphera) September 18, 2024
Reflecting on his move, Eisa expressed his excitement about the new chapter, saying, “It’s a fresh start and a great opportunity to challenge myself in a completely different environment.” The Sudan-born striker could make his debut as early as today, with Nassaji set to face Esteghlal FC.
Who Are Nassaji Mazandaran?
Nassaji Mazandaran Football Club, commonly known as Nassaji, is based in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran, near the Caspian Sea. Founded in 1959, the club has a rich history in Iranian football but only recently gained prominence by earning promotion to the Persian Gulf Pro League in 2018. This marked a significant milestone for Nassaji, as they had spent decades in Iran’s lower divisions before finally reaching the country’s top tier.
The team plays its home matches at Vatani Stadium in Qaem Shahr, a venue that can hold around 15,000 fans. Despite being a relatively smaller club compared to Iranian giants like Esteghlal and Persepolis, Nassaji is well-supported locally, with fans known for their loyalty and vocal presence.
In recent seasons, the club has made steady progress, both domestically and in continental competitions. Their 2022 victory in the Hazfi Cup, Iran’s domestic knockout tournament, was a major triumph and helped secure their place in the AFC Champions League, marking their debut in Asia’s premier club competition.
Who is Mo Eisa?
Mo Eisa’s football career began in non-league football with Greenwich Borough, where his prolific goal-scoring caught the attention of scouts from the professional ranks. After impressing at Greenwich, Eisa made the jump to Cheltenham Town in 2017 for a modest fee, making an immediate impact. In his first season at Cheltenham, he scored 25 goals in 50 appearances, which put him on the radar of higher-league clubs.
This form prompted a £1.5 million transfer to Championship side Bristol City in 2018, marking a significant moment in Eisa’s career. However, his time at Ashton Gate did not go as planned. Eisa struggled for opportunities, making only six appearances and failing to score during his brief stint with the club. A year later, he moved to Peterborough United for a club-record fee of £1.3 million.
At Peterborough, Eisa rediscovered his form, scoring 21 goals across 72 appearances over two seasons. His goal-scoring abilities, particularly in League One, helped the Posh challenge for promotion during his time there. However, after two years, he transferred to MK Dons in 2021 for an undisclosed fee.
At MK Dons, Eisa continued his reliable scoring output, netting 12 goals in 40 appearances. His ability to lead the line and score crucial goals made him a key player for the Dons, but injuries affected his consistency. In 2023, he made another move, this time to Exeter City, where he struggled to make a significant impact, leading to his release in 2024.
Now 30, Eisa has opted for a new challenge abroad, signing with Iran’s Nassaji Mazandaran, where he hopes to revive his career in the Persian Gulf Pro League.
Writer’s View
Mo Eisa’s move to Iran represents an unexpected twist in a career that saw him rise from non-league to the Football League, with flashes of brilliance along the way. Known for his pace and eye for goal, his brief stints at clubs like Bristol City and Peterborough United showcased his potential.
His decision to join Nassaji Mazandaran suggests a willingness to embrace new challenges in his 30s, leaving behind the familiarity of English football. It will be interesting to see how Eisa adapts to a very different style of play in Iran.