TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal coach Amir Ghalenoei said Javad Nekounam will be allowed to leave the team for Osasuna during the January transfer window.

The Spanish club has already shown the green light for re-signing Nekounam.

Osasuna is two points above the relegation zone in the Spanish Liga standings table.

“Javad Nekounam can return to Osasuna. We will allow him to leave Esteghlal and will not stand against him,” Ghalenoei said.

Nekounam joined Osasuna in 2006 and played 149 times for the team and scored 24 goals. The 34-year-old midfielder joined Esteghlal in summer on a two-year contract.

Esteghlal is at the top of Iran Professional League (IPL) standings table with 38 points.