Al-Zawraa Secures Ismaila Soro Deal

Al-Zawraa has secured the signing of Ivorian midfielder Ismaila Soro in a deal aimed at bolstering their midfield with international experience before the start of the new season of the Iraqi Premier League.

Soro is one of the names that has accumulated extensive experience in European and Arab leagues, having previously played for Celtic in Scotland, Arouca in Portugal, along with recent stints in Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

Soro was born in 1998 and holds Ivorian nationality, boasting a height that gives him a physical advantage in tackles. He plays as a defensive midfielder.

His current market value is estimated at €600,000, a figure that reflects the weight of his experience despite being at the peak of his career.

During the 2025/2026 season, Soro played for Al Riyadh in the Roshen League from August 29, 2025, to February 2, 2026. He participated in 17 matches, totaling 1,217 minutes, averaging 72 minutes per game. Although he did not score any goals, he provided two assists.

He then moved to Sakaryaspor in Turkey, where he played 7 matches in the Turkish First League during the same season from February 9, 2026, to May 1, 2026, totaling 235 minutes with an average of 33 minutes per match.

The signing of Soro is part of Al-Zawraa's plan to strengthen the midfield with a player who excels in ball recovery and circulation, and has experience playing under pressure at high-profile clubs like Celtic.

The coaching staff is betting on the Ivorian player's ability to provide defensive stability for the team, as well as to support the connection between the lines alongside the new signings the club has made this summer.