DUFC Academy
Hamilton joins the Terrors
6th October 2026
Dundee United is delighted to announce the signing of midfielder Zidane Iqbal from Eredivisie side FC Utrecht, subject to SFA and International clearance.
The 23-year-old pens a two-year deal at the Calforth Construction Arena at Tannadice Park, with a club held option of a further year.
A talented midfielder, capable of playing in multiple roles across the centre of the park, Zidane arrives in Tangerine on deadline day.
Born in Manchester, Iqbal joined the prestigious Manchester United academy at age nine and quickly developed as one of Carrington’s most exciting talents.
A first professional contract would arrive in April 2021 and the Iraqi international would make his first-team debut later that year in a UEFA Champions League match against Young Boys.
In coming off the bench, Iqbal became the first British South Asian to play in the Champions League.
Eligible to represent England, Pakistan and Iraq at international level, Iqbal opted for the latter and was called up to the senior team in January 2022 for FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Iran and Lebanon.
He would make his debut in a narrow defeat to Iran on the 27th January, kick starting a fully-fledged international career.
Despite rising through the ranks at the Red Devils, Iqbal chose to make his next move onto the continent in search of regular first-team football with Utrecht the destination.
Zidane signed a four-year-deal with Utrecht for an undisclosed fee and went on to make over 60 appearances during his time in the Netherlands.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico, Canada and the USA, Zidane played in all three of his nation’s group stage matches including an impressive showing against France, taking his total international caps to 28.
Zidane now heads to the City of Discovery looking to write another successful chapter in his young career to date.
A REAL EXCITING TALENT
On securing his deadline day signing, Jim Goodwin said: “I’m delighted to welcome Zidane to the football club.
“He has real pedigree and is off the back of a successful World Cup with Iraq where he featured in every one of their group stage games.
“We feel he adds something different and can occupy different positions within our midfield ranks.
“We’re all delighted he has chosen to join Dundee United and look forward to welcoming him to the city.”
READY TO GET STARTED
On putting pen-to-paper with the Tangerines, Zidane said: “I’m delighted to be here and can’t wait to get started.
“My conversations with the manager have been positive and I’m excited to meet my new teammates and the rest of the staff.
“Me and my family have seen the stadium and training ground today and that gives you that extra feel to the place and where I’m going to be playing every week.
“I’m looking forward to meeting all the fans on the weekend and getting out on to Tannadice for the first time.”
Zidane will wear number 14 during his time in Tangerine.
