The future of Reza Ghoochannejhad has been the subject of speculation recently, with some suggesting he has already left the club.
Rumours surfaced at the end of last season that following the World Cup, the likeable Ghoochannejhad would move on to a club in the Middle East.
Reza enjoyed a good competition and scored Iran’s goal against Bosnia.
Speculation has been fuelled by his absence from all of Charlton’s pre-season games. The explanation is simple though, Ghoochannejhad reported back later than his colleagues due to his participation in Brazil.
He linked up with the squad in Spain earlier in the week and could be involved in Saturday’s friendly against Atletico Clube de Portugal in La Cala. Whether his long term future will at The Valley remains to be seen.
Atletico finished at the bottom end of Portugal’s second tier last season, and only the expansion of the division from 22 to 24 teams saved them from relegation.
The game will kick-off at 7.00pm local time and Bob Peeters’ team will face a sterner test than they did against a Gibralter Xl on Wednesday.
Nevertheless, Peeters will expect his team to win and hopefully notch a few goals.
There will be much interest in the away dug out at Penrith on Saturday afternoon. Jose Riga’s on going dispute with Blackpool chairman, Karl Oyston, regarding transfer dealings could come to a head.
Riga is believed to be digging his heels in over the recruitment of three unnamed players. Riga will not get involved in recruiting other players until Oyston secures the signatures of his prime targets.
Reports suggest that if Riga is at Penrith for Blackpool’s friendly, he will lead the Tangerines into the new season, but if he fails to show, his tenure at Bloomfield Road could be over before the season starts.
It is possible that Ghoochannejhad is one of the players wanted by Riga, though how Blackpool could buy him, given their parlous financial position, is difficult to see.
If Riga leaves Bloomfield Road, it would be no great surprise if his next role was with the Addicks in some capacity.
The rumours surrounding West Ham keeper, Stephen Henderson, joining Charlton on a season long loan took a twist on Friday afternoon.
West Ham have cancelled Henderson’s contract by mutual consent and the player is now a free agent.