"Since the foreign player limit has been removed for the new season, we will see more foreign players in our league. However, if a foreign player being signed is on the same level as a local player, it's better if they don’t come. Incoming players must be of high caliber and bring excitement to the league."
These were the remarks of Azerbaijan U-17 national team head coach Aqil Nabiyev in an interview with AZERTAC, where he shared thoughts on Premier League clubs' summer transfers, Idman.biz reports.
The coach said the players brought in by Qarabag could prove to be successful: “It’s hard to say with certainty, as I haven’t seen them play yet. However, Gurban Gurbanov’s player selections speak for themselves. The majority of the foreign players he’s brought in have been successful. The departure of Yassine Benzia is a significant loss for the team. As for Marko Vesovic, I wouldn’t say the same, he had lost his spot in the starting lineup and was no longer in his best form.”
Nabiyev believes that Elmar Bakhshiyev (Araz-Nakhchivan) and Rashad Sadyqov (Zira) have made solid choices: “Two familiar faces from Qarabag, Patrick Andrade and Hamidou Keyta, joined Araz-Nakhchivan, and that was the right move. Both players know our league well. Also, Rashad Sadyqov brought in players he’s familiar with to Zira. Though Vincent Thill didn’t meet expectations at Sabah, he could make a name for himself at Zira. Football is like that, you might underperform at one club but shine at another. Clearly, the coach saw potential in him.”
Nabiyev also spoke about the preseason preparations of Sabah, Neftchi, and Sumgayit: “Sabah started the season early due to their European matches. I watched the game against Slovenia’s Celje. It’s too early to comment on their transfers. Judging a player after one game isn’t fair. Samir Abasov will build a strong-willed team at Neftchi, that’s always been his approach. Serbian coach Sasa Ilic joined Sumgayit. His playing and coaching experience will benefit the team.”
He also pointed out that regional clubs have been active in the transfer market: “Karvan and Imishli are back in the Premier League after long absences, while Gabala returns after a one-year break. Gabala has some of the best infrastructure among regional clubs. Turan Tovuz has invested well in football. There’s a sense of revival at Kapaz. Aykhan Abbasov is trying to form a good mix of young and foreign players at Shamakhi. But if a regional club doesn’t have strong financial backing, playing in the Premier League is pointless. At the moment, Imishli and Karvan are facing some financial difficulties in this regard."
Idman.biz
