Football manager Kova Tilavpour, who has shown interest in the Iranian market, commented on the situation surrounding Bayer’s Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun. Tilavpour suggested that a return to Russia is not on the table for Azmoun, and he indicated that the player and his new management team are not considering Zenit Saint Petersburg as a possible destination today. The remarks were relayed to Match TV and reflect the striker’s current market positioning rather than any imminent transfer move.
Tilavpour stated with high confidence that Azmoun is unlikely to go back to Russia. He noted that there are active offers from clubs in France and Saudi Arabia, and he emphasized that Azmoun and his representatives are weighing options outside Russia rather than revisiting a move to Zenit. The assessment aligns with the broader pattern of Azmoun’s career trajectory, where he has continuously attracted interest from European and Middle Eastern leagues while maintaining his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen for the near term.
The Iranian forward is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen through 2027. In the most recent Bundesliga campaign, he appeared in 23 matches, contributing four goals and one assist as the team finished in sixth place. His performance reflects his ongoing value to the squad and his continued presence as a key attacking option for Bayer, even as transfer speculation persists around his future moves.
Azmoun joined Zenit Saint Petersburg in 2019, a club where he has spent a significant portion of his career. Before his time in Russia, he represented Rubin Kazan, adding to a resume that includes multiple domestic honors. With Zenit, he has claimed three Russian championships, and he was part of the squad that won the 2019/20 Russian Cup as well as two Russian Super Cups, underscoring his role in domestic success alongside his international duties.
On the international stage, Azmoun has been a steady presence for the Iranian national team since 2014. Across 68 appearances for Iran, he has scored 41 goals, establishing himself as one of the nation’s most prolific forwards and a critical figure in their attacking lineup. His ongoing national-team contributions coincide with his club career, highlighting his status as a high-profile striker on the global football scene.
Reports have also circulated about contractual developments involving other young talents in European football, including Arsen Zakharyan, who is linked with projects at a top-4 La Liga club. While these rumors reflect the broader market activity surrounding rising players, Azmoun’s situation remains anchored by his Bayer contract and the current transfer discussions surrounding him and similar high-profile forwards.