Iraqi Olympic team defender Adam Talib has embarked on a new stage in his football career, after officially completing his transfer to Al-Shorta Club from Slovenian club Maribor, in a move aimed at strengthening the team's backline during the current season's competitions.

Al-Shorta Club announced its signing of Talib (21 years old) with a contract extending until the summer of 2027, after reaching an agreement with Maribor in a deal exceeding 100,000 euros, giving the player an important opportunity to prove his capabilities and provide the anticipated contribution.

The young defender will face several challenges with his new team, as he aspires to have a successful experience that may pave the way for him to compete for representing Iraq in the global playoffs qualifying for the World Cup.

Talib suffered a concerning injury during his participation in the AFC U-23 Asian Cup held in Saudi Arabia, which caused him to miss the crucial match against Australia, requiring him to completely overcome the effects of the injury.

The player seems to be in better health today, but his physical readiness still needs intensive work, especially as he struggles with a slight weight gain, making it necessary for him to return to his natural weight to ensure he quickly adapts to the competitive environment.

Talib needs some time to integrate with the Al-Shorta players, especially since he will be experiencing his first time alongside most of the team members, placing additional responsibility on the technical staff led by coach Moamen Soliman to help him adapt quickly.

The player has previously played alongside his teammate Abdul Razzaq Qasim in the Olympic team, which may contribute to speeding up his integration within the group and provide him with moral support to help him deliver the expected performances.

Despite his international presence with the Olympic team, Talib's appearances in Iraqi stadiums have been limited, making the difference in atmosphere between Slovenian football and the Iraqi Stars League an additional challenge for the young defender, who seeks to prove himself and leave a clear mark with Al-Shorta.