Al-Shorta Club: We Faced Pressure and Disregard, Here Are Our Signings

Al-Shorta has opened its summer transfer file and revealed the significant challenges it faces in maintaining the team's structure, after several stars of the "Green Lyre" chose to leave for experiences with other clubs. Despite the tough phase, the club's management acted early in the market and secured several notable signings to strengthen the squad. Among the prominent names are Venezuela national team defender Ruben Ramirez, Al-Zawraa and Iraq national team defender Maitham Jabbar, Colombian defender Diego Hernandez, and Argentine midfielder Cristian Barco. Club board member Adi Al-Rubaie discussed the details of the negotiations, stating: "This transfer period is the hardest since I joined Al-Shorta's management. I am part of the committee responsible for negotiating with players and coaches, as well as renewing player contracts, and the pressure has been immense." Al-Rubaie revealed that the club faced financial pressures from some players during the renewal process. "We were subjected to bargaining from some names, which we completely reject. For example, Mustafa Saadoun requested a salary higher than the club's established salary cap, so we informed him that we could not accommodate that. He then told us he received a better offer from Zakho, and indeed he transferred there." The board member did not hide his displeasure with how some players handled the situation, considering there to be a "lack of gratitude." "Unfortunately, we faced painful situations. We were deceived by sweet talk and kissing the badge, but when it came to renewals, things changed. Some told us they would not continue with the same salary as last season, claiming they had become World Cup players and deserved higher amounts." He concluded: "We made it clear to them: Al-Shorta is the one that took you to the World Cup, and without the Lyre, your market value would not have risen in this way. In just one month, I saw things I did not expect, and a not-so-good picture of the reality of our football. I fear that the upcoming phase will be even tougher."