Erzurumspor has dismissed reports suggesting that Nariman Akhundzade could leave the club, İdman.Biz reports.
"Reports circulating in the media in recent days claiming that Azerbaijan national team player Nariman Akhundzade will leave Turkish club Erzurumspor during the winter transfer window are not true."
The club's president, Ahmet Dal, made the statement, stressing that the team has great confidence in both the forward and his abilities.
"Reports have been circulating in the media in recent days that Nariman will leave our club. However, I categorically deny this. We at Erzurumspor are very fond of Nariman and appreciate his game. He also loves our club very much. I do not know where these reports came from, but such rumours usually emerge during transfer windows. I want to make it absolutely clear that we have no such plans," he told AZERTAC.
The club president also explained that the player's difficulties in fully adapting to the team were related to his late arrival at the club and Erzurum's geographical conditions.
"At the beginning of the season, Nariman was with the national team for the UEFA Nations League and joined us a little later. Erzurum is one of the highest-altitude regions in Turkey. Adapting to the altitude is not easy for either our new signings or other players. Getting used to the city's weather and climate conditions can sometimes take time. Our head coach, Serkan Balta, is satisfied with Nariman. We are pleased with both his hard work in training and his performances on the pitch. He is a well-liked player with exemplary character."
Ahmet Dal also spoke about the club's relations with Azerbaijan, noting that Akhundzade's transfer makes a special contribution to the fraternal ties between the two countries. He added that the club was interested in continuing this cooperation in the future.
Akhundzade is under contract with US club Columbus Crew. Erzurumspor signed the 22-year-old forward on a one-year loan deal in August.
