Laith Hussein: Money Isn't Everything in Football, Al-Zawraa Moves Within Its Means

Laith Hussein, the former star of the Iraqi national team and the executive director of Al-Zawraa, criticized the amount of money being spent in the current summer transfer market of the Iraqi Premier League, emphasizing that financial strength alone does not create a championship team, especially with the strong entry of clubs from the Kurdistan region into the contracting race.

The current transfer window has seen figures never recorded before in the Iraqi league. The highlight is *Ibrahim Bayesh*'s transfer to Erbil for nearly one million dollars, making it the highest deal so far.

Ali Jassim is close to signing with Zakho for 2 billion Iraqi dinars, which is over 1.5 million dollars, in a deal likely to be the most expensive in the history of Iraqi player transfers domestically.

Laith Hussein stated: "We have started at Al-Zawraa to strengthen our squad with professionals in preparation for the new season. The new players are currently with the team in the training camp in Egypt, and there are also players from Senegal who will join the delegation. The rest of the names will be announced in the coming days, and we hope they will be a real addition to the team."

He continued: "Al-Nawaris fans always aspire for the best. We ask them to be patient with the new group, as the management has made a significant change in the team's lineup. Bassim Qassem's squad needs time to show its character. We trust the coaching staff and look forward to a different season."

Commenting on the massive sums circulating in the market, he said: "I am astonished by the billions being paid now. Honestly, if players from our generation were playing at this time, their values would be three times what is being paid currently."

Money is certainly important, and the team that spends more will be stronger and more capable of competing for the league and cup. It is very likely that we will see a new champion next season.

The executive director concluded his remarks by emphasizing the club's policy: "Al-Zawraa entered the transfer market according to its capabilities and budget. We tried to sign national team defender Akam Hashim, but he asked for over one billion dinars, a figure we cannot afford."