Fayzullaev is heading to Turkey: new challenge, controversial opinions and record amount

Another Uzbek footballer is making another step on the road to Europe. Turkey’s “Istanbul Basaksehir” club and Russia’s CSKA have reached a full agreement on the transfer of the 21-year-old midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev, according to Turkish journalist Osman Altunterim, citing his sources.

According to available information, the army club will receive 7 million euros for this guy, and this amount is considered one of the largest among Uzbek footballers’ transfers to Europe. Fayzullaev has been playing for CSKA since 2023 and last season, together with his team, managed to win the Russian Cup and the Russian Super Cup.

In the 2024/25 season, Abbosbek played 39 matches in all competitions, scored 3 goals, and made 8 assists. Before that, he moved from Pakhtakor to CSKA two years ago for 500 thousand euros, having signed a contract with the Moscow club until 2026. During this time, he played 72 matches, scored 8 goals and made 22 assists for CSKA.

However, according to Russian football veteran Vladimir Ponomaryov, Fayzullaev will not be able to show a high level in the Turkish championship. "Let Fayzullaev go. He won’t withstand the Turkish championship, he’s too small. Previously, he could reach the opponent’s penalty area, outplay defenders with dribbling, and shoot, but now he’s just resting.

Fayzullaev is now a ‘quick broom’, there’s nothing new in his game. As a midfielder he is equal to zero, he doesn’t play with his head. He’s not good enough for Europe, and in Turkey he’s only suitable for average teams.

You can call him ‘cheap jam’, but ‘quick broom’ suits him better,” said Ponomaryov to Sovetskiy Sport.

At the same time, the specialist’s words are causing various opinions in society. Whether Abbosbek Fayzullaev can prove himself in the Turkish championship or whether his youth will become his main advantage, time will tell.

Let us recall, at present, another Uzbek footballer — Eldor Shomurodov — is also playing for Istanbul Basaksehir. This season, he came from Roma on loan with a buyout option, and it is known that the Turkish club places great hopes on him.

For the young stars of Uzbek football, new opportunities and horizons in Turkey are not only personal development, but also an important test for the prestige of our national sport. And now fans are only waiting — will Fayzullaev be able to prove himself in Turkey, or will Ponomaryov’s criticism be justified? Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!