Ghana defender Samuel Sarfo has completed an 18-month deal with Iranian giants Saipa FC, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively report.

The former Liberty Professional skipper was on the verge of joining Ghanaian giants Kumasi Asante Kotoko but the deal fell through after both parties failed to reach an agreement.

Sarfo who was an influential member of the Black Stars B side that won the 2017 WAFU Nations Cup was reported to have been closely monitored by clubs in North Africa and Oman but Saipa have gazumped all suitors for the signature of the Ghanaian.

The former Liberty Professional skipper was the top scoring defender in the 2016/17 Ghana Premier League with 7 goals in 26 appearances.

He was one of the few locally-based players who were handed their maiden call ups into the Black Stars by coach Kwasi Appiah and had his debut for Ghana against the USA in a friendly.

Sarfo is expected to steer the Oranges who are 4th on the Persian Gulf Pro League table to clinch the title with his experience and exposure.

Saipa Football Club is a football club from Karaj, Alborz Province, Iran which plays in Tehran, Iran.

The team is owned by SAIPA, an Iranian automobile manufacturer and has never had a large fanbase, despite some success.

It is known to have one of the best youth academies in Iranian football and regularly promotes academy players to the first team.

In the 2006–07 season, under the guidance of Ali Daei, Saipa won their only Persian Gulf Cup title. Saipa has also won the Azadegan League twice and the Hazfi Cup once.

Saipa is the football club of the multisport Saipa Cultural and Athletic Corporation.