Get to know Mehdi Taremi… The veteran striker who could bring the firepower to keep Leeds United up

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Mehdi Taremi is an experienced striker with over 250 goals to his name being eyed by Leeds United in the summer transfer window.

Leeds United have strengthened their squad considerably in the transfer window, with Daniel Farke adding height and physicality to his midfield and defence.

Farke is concerned about his side’s quality going forward, though, especially after the 1-1 draw with Villarreal in pre-season.

Leeds want to sign a playmaker and winger before deadline day, with the likes of Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa and Ben Doak all emerging as targets after missing out on Igor Paixao.

A striker is also wanted and with little progress being made on the Rodrigo Muniz front, Mehdi Taremi could be an interesting alternative.

Here’s what you need to know.

• Every player linked with Leeds in the transfer window: Latest fees and news on Daniel Farke’s targets

Who is Mehdi Taremi?

Taremi is a veteran striker who already has 15 years of a professional career under his belt, but is eager for even more.

Starting his career in his native Iran and then playing in Qatar, Taremi didn’t get his break in the European game until he was already 27 and was signed by Portuguese side Rio Ave.

After 21 goals in his debut season, he quickly caught the eye of giants Porto and he continued to find the back of the net over the next four seasons.

Taremi scored 91 times for Porto, with his stunning overhead kick against Chelsea being named the UEFA Goal of the Season in 2021 and nominated for the Puskas Award.

He moved on to Italian giants Inter on a free in 2024 and, though he has only scored three goals for them, he shone with energetic and hard-working performances, especially off the bench in the Champions League.

Taremi has 93 goals for Iran and 258 senior goals in total throughout his career, as well as 125 assists.

Mehdi Taremi to Leeds United transfer news

Taremi first appeared as a possible Leeds target in late July, with it being reported that he fancied a late-career move to the Premier League, with an £8.75m fee being touted.

It was reported that early talks had been held with Taremi’s agents, but West Ham and Nottingham Forest were both said to be interested as well.

Brazilian side Botafogo also made an approach, but the striker turned them down in favour of staying in Europe.

Reports from Italian media in August claimed Leeds were close to signing Taremi and Leeds United News understands the striker is ‘available’ for the Whites.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey said: “Taremi’s been someone on Leeds’ radar for a while. How high Leeds are, I’m not 100% sure yet.

“But I know he’s someone who is available. Probably a loan to buy, Inter may insist on an obligation.”

Mehdi Taremi age

Taremi was born on July 18, 1992, in Bueshehr, Iran. As of August 2025, he is 33 years old.

Though that’s older than the players Leeds have been signing this summer, his top-level know-how and years of experience in the game will come in handy in a fight for survival.

How tall is Mehdi Taremi?

Taremi is a big striker and stands at 6’2″ tall but, despite his hulking frame, still has a quick turn of pace.

Farke has been increasing the height of his squad in the transfer window to make his team stronger and Taremi fits that mould.

Mehdi Taremi salary

According to SalarySport, Taremi takes home £40,000 a week at Inter, which works out at just over £2m a year.

That would put him amongst the highest earners at Elland Road. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News it would take a hefty wage packet to get Taremi to sign.

He said: “It won’t be an expensive deal in terms of fee, but he obviously would be one of the highest-paid players in the squad, if not the highest-paid player.”

Mehdi Taremi stats

Taremi has over 250 career goals for club and country to his name and over 150 assists, too.

Here’s how many he’s scored for each team he’s played for in his long career.

Mehdi Taremi Instagram and X/Twitter accounts

Taremi has an absolutely massive following of over six million on his Instagram account @mehditaremiofficial9.

He also has an X, formerly Twitter, account with an impressive following of over 120k, @MehdiTaremi9.

Praise for Mehdi Taremi

Taremi was fantastic in Inter’s Champions League semi-final victory over Barcelona in the 2024-25 season, putting in a tireless performance and setting up the winner in the 4-3 triumph.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of the match, football legend Clarence Seedorf said: “I’d like to praise Mehdi Taremi. 

“He was attacking, defending, and he even won one against Lamine Yamal. He really made a difference. Mehdi has been underrated here [at Inter] all year.”

Inter legend Goran Pandev had also complimented Taremi for his European performances earlier in the season.

“I like Taremi up front, the guy is doing impressive things in the Champions League,” he said via SempreInter. “He is a great striker.

“Three points tonight are fundamental. Taremi is a great striker who can play in tandem with anyone. Congratulations to everyone for buying him.”

Iran manager Amir Ghalenoei also praised Taremi as he scored twice to secure his country’s place in the 2026 World Cup.

“A great player must help both technically and physically,” Ghalenoei said, via flashscore.

“Taremi is one of them, and even though he plays for a great team and is not in good condition and could have missed the season, he played and was with the team and played for the people.

“He became the best player on the field and I am happy that, in most games, he is the best player on the field from the Iranian national team.”