The official Krasnodar club press service announced that 26-year-old midfielder Ilzat Akhmetov has terminated his contract and left the team. The news confirms a new chapter for a player who has spent several seasons in Russian football and is now exploring fresh opportunities as a free agent.
As a national team player for Russia, Akhmetov reportedly leveraged his contract clause to part ways with Krasnodar. The move marks a transition from a club he had joined in 2022, after making a name for himself in earlier spells across the league. The possibility of a transfer to Zenit, especially given his experience and competitive edge, has been a talking point among supporters and pundits alike.
Akhmetov’s professional debut in the Russian Premier League occurred in 2014 with Rubin Kazan. He spent four seasons there before transferring to CSKA Moscow, another landmark club in his career. In 2018, he tasted silverware as CSKA captured the Russian Super Cup, a highlight that underscored his growing reputation in domestic football. In 2022, he joined Krasnodar, continuing to contribute in midfield with his technical skill and work rate.
During his time at Krasnodar, the 26-year-old midfielder appeared in 21 competitive matches this season, recording 3 goals and 2 assists. Across all appearances for Krasnodar, Akhmetov has accumulated 61 games, with 7 goals and 8 assists to his name, reflecting a consistent contribution in midfield roles and his ability to influence both buildup play and final outcomes.
Rumors have circulated about future moves involving top scorers in the Russian Premier League, including discussions about potential crossovers with global stars like Cristiano Ronaldo. While concrete details remain uncertain, Akhmetov’s status as a free agent could attract interest from clubs seeking a versatile midfielder with experience across major Russian competitions.