Iraq national team duo Ali Jassim and Marko Faraj are approaching a new phase in their professional careers, coinciding with their participation alongside the Lions of Mesopotamia in the Arab Cup Qatar 2025.

The list of Australian coach Graham Arnold clearly relied on the duo in the winger positions, as they have become among the most influential elements in the national team’s attacking formation in recent months, giving them a prominent presence during the tournament.

Special sources stated that the Arab Cup holds great importance for Ali Jassim and Marko Faraj, as it will serve as a final evaluation platform before the winter transfer window, especially with the increasing interest in their services from European and Arab clubs.

The sources confirmed that the duo will be under the watchful eyes of club scouts throughout the group stage matches, and their performance during the tournament could largely determine their next destination.

The sources added that player Ali Jassim is currently focused on appearing in the best form in the Arab tournament, given his desire to move to a new destination in the near future, following the recent crisis he experienced at Al-Najma Saudi club regarding his statements about the distribution of financial support in the Roshn Saudi League.

It was clarified that Jassim is discussing his professional status with the management of his Italian club Como, in addition to an upcoming meeting with Al-Najma Saudi club’s management to finalize his fate.

If no agreement satisfying both parties is reached, the player might continue until the end of the current season.

Regarding Marko Faraj, the sources revealed that his future is closer to being decided, with official interest from the Italian club Venezia, which seeks to sign him during the winter transfer window.

They pointed out that the player also enjoys interest from some Norwegian league clubs, but the Italian destination currently seems the most prominent, especially given the player’s desire to experience a different challenge after a successful period at Stromsgodset.

The sources concluded that coach Graham Arnold fully recognizes the importance of the tournament from a marketing perspective for the players, and therefore will give playing opportunities to all members of the Iraqi national team during the group stage matches.

He will also rely on rotating the squad to increase the players’ readiness and boost competition among them, which will provide Ali Jassim and Marko Faraj with an ideal opportunity to deliver impressive performances in front of followers and interested clubs.