TEHRAN – Persepolis Nigerian striker Godwin Mensha dropped a transfer bombshell by joining Persepolis arch-rivals Esteghlal on Tuesday.

The 30-year-old hitman has penned an 18-month deal with the Iranian giants for undisclosed fee.

Mensha made surprise move to Esteghlal after being deemed surplus to requirements at Persepolis in January.

Persepolis have signed Croatian striker Mario Budimir as Mensha’s replacement.

Persepolis and Esteghlal are preparing for the second half of the Iran professional League and 2019 AFC Champions League.

Esteghlal are in Group C with Al Hilal from Saudi Arabia, UAE side Al Ain and Qatar’s Al Duhail.

Persepolis have been drawn in Group D along with Al Sadd of Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli.