Done Deal: Sardar Azmoun Joins Shabab Al-Ahli from Bayer Leverkusen
Dubai, UAE – July 29, 2024 – In a significant transfer move, Iranian international Sardar Azmoun joins Shabab Al-Ahli, marking an end to his two-year tenure with Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. The transfer, which is a done deal, was confirmed today with Azmoun moving to the Emirati club for a fee of €5 million.
Azmoun’s Tenure at Bayer Leverkusen
Azmoun, who joined Bayer Leverkusen in January 2022 for €4 million from Zenit St. Petersburg, had a mixed spell in Germany. During his stint at Leverkusen, Azmoun made 23 appearances in the Bundesliga in the 2022-2023 season, scoring 4 goals and providing 1 assist. He also had a brief loan spell at AS Roma last season, where he appeared 23 times in Serie A, netting 3 goals.
Career Achievements
The 28-year-old forward’s career has been adorned with achievements:
- Won Persian Gulf Pro League twice with Sepahan FC
- Multiple Russian Premier League titles with Zenit St. Petersburg
- Winner of Russian Cup and Super Cup
International Career
At the international level, Azmoun has been a pivotal player for Iran since making his debut in 2014 at the age of 19. He has represented Team Melli in multiple AFC Asian Cups and FIFA World Cups, making him a seasoned veteran on the global stage. Notably, he is the second-most expensive Iranian player of all time and was the youngest Iranian to score in a UEFA Champions League match.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Squad Strengthening
Azmoun’s departure comes at a time when Bayer Leverkusen, under the management of Xabi Alonso, have been actively strengthening their squad. The Bundesliga champions recently signed French forward Martin Terrier from Rennes for €20 million. Terrier joins a robust Leverkusen attack that includes Patrick Schick and new signing Victor Boniface.
Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023-2024 season and completed a domestic double by winning the DFB Pokal, appears focused on building a team capable of defending their titles. Alonso’s tactical acumen and leadership have been instrumental in transforming Leverkusen into a formidable force in German football.
Impact on Shabab Al-Ahli
For Shabab Al-Ahli, acquiring Azmoun signifies a major coup. The Emirati club will be looking to leverage Azmoun’s experience and goal-scoring prowess as they aim for success in the UAE Pro League. His arrival is expected to bolster their attacking options significantly.
Azmoun expressed his excitement about the new chapter in his career, stating, “Joining Shabab Al-Ahli is an exciting challenge for me. I am looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and bringing my experience to the league.”
Conclusion
As the transfer window continues to unfold, Sardar Azmoun’s move to Shabab Al-Ahli is one of the standout deals, reflecting the dynamic nature of the football transfer market.
