The AZAL Courier
Squad10 Aug 2026
Ruslan Ismayilov damages knee ligaments — 134 days out
The words a physio says slowly. 134 days is what the club will announce and everybody who has heard this diagnosis before knows the number is the least of it: the knee comes back before the player does.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Ruslan Bayramov signs a new deal
“I never wanted to be anywhere else. There is unfinished business here.” Ruslan Bayramov commits to AZAL for another 4 years.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Tempers go at AZAL
Gabriele Toscano was at the centre of it, and by the time it was pulled apart there were three or four others involved. Training grounds are small places and long seasons make them smaller.
Squad10 Aug 2026
Ruslan Bayramov gets it from the manager
“Nobody here is above being told.” It was not said with a name attached, but the dressing room can count, and so can everybody who was listening.
Market10 Aug 2026
Cavid Amirguliyev is free to find somewhere else
“I was told straight, and I would rather have it straight.” The manager at AZAL has been clear about where Cavid Amirguliyev stands, which is more than many ever get.
Market10 Aug 2026
The Namig Nazarov story refuses to die
It has been denied twice and printed three times, which is the usual arithmetic. Until Namig Nazarov signs something — a contract at AZAL or anywhere else — this column belongs to him.
In brief
- Market Eddy Nadirov leaves on loan
- Market Mahir Huseynov goes out on loan