The Tajikistan national team goalkeeper Rustam Yatimov has moved from FC Istiklol to Rostov, a development announced by the Russian club’s official channels. The transfer marks a new chapter for the 25-year-old custodian, who has spent several seasons making his mark in Central Asia before stepping onto a broader European stage.
Yatimov is a product of Volga Nizhny Novgorod’s system and has been with Istiklol since 2018, where he established himself as a key figure in goal. During his tenure there, he helped the club secure the Tajikistan championship on six occasions, demonstrating consistent reliability between the posts. His trophy cabinet also includes multiple domestic cup triumphs, notably the Tajikistan Cup and the Tajikistan Super Cup, both secured on four occasions. Across 92 league appearances for Istiklol, he kept a clean sheet in 39 matches, underscoring his shot-stopping abilities and command of the penalty area.
On the international stage, Yatimov has represented Tajikistan in 44 matches. He recorded 19 matches with no goals conceded, a statistic that highlights his contributions to the national team’s defensive solidity in competitive fixtures. Market analysts place his value in the vicinity of 1.2 million euros, according to Transfermarkt, reflecting a respectful recognition of his experience and potential in a market where goalkeeping talent is highly valued.
Last season, Sergei Pesyakov held the number one spot for Rostov, a role that drew attention after Rostov conceded a late goal in a Round 30 clash with Zenit in the Russian Premier League. The 2-1 result helped Zenit clinch the league title, continuing a string of domestic successes for the club. The season also sparked public chatter when Pesyakov’s remarks about earnings from a Zenit paycheck became a talking point, illustrating how off-field moments can ripple through a club’s narrative. Looking ahead, Pesyakov is expected to continue his career with Krylya Sovetov in the upcoming campaign, signaling a broader reshuffle among Rostov’s goalkeeping options and defensive setup as the league progresses.
In other transfer news connected to Rostov and the broader Russian league landscape, rumors point to a defender with a background in Volkov’s circle who might be considering a move to Zenit. While concrete confirmations are scarce, such speculation underscores the ongoing competition for top defensive talent among Russia’s biggest clubs and how players weigh prestige, playing time, and the chance to compete in European competitions when available.