Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Shanghai: Uzbekistan international Odil Ahmedov has become Shanghai SIPG’s latest acquisition after signing a three-year deal with the Chinese Super League club.
Ahmedov’s transfer from Russian side FC Krasnodar comes just days after Shanghai smashed the Asian transfer record to secure the services of former Chelsea star Oscar.
Widely regarded as one of Asia’s finest midfielders, Ahmedov, 29, began his career in Uzbekistan with Pakhtakor, before joining Russia’s Anzhi Makhachkala and - most recently - FC Krasnodar who also play in the Russian Premier League.
Ahmedov, a four-time Uzbekistan Player of the Year award winner, has made over 80 appearances for his country, and made headlines in 2011 for his magnificent long-range strike against host nation Qatar at the AFC Asian Cup.
With Ahmedov in their ranks, Shanghai - currently under the guidance of former Chelsea coach Andre Villas-Boas - will no doubt be looking to improve on last season’s domestic performance when they finished third in China’s top-flight.
In the 2016 AFC Champions League they reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by eventual winners Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
The 2017 edition of Asia’s premier club competition will see Shanghai attempt to enter the Group Stage through the Play-offs where they will meet either Thailand’s Sukhothai FC or Yadanarbon FC from Myanmar on February 7.
Photo: AFP