This winter a heated debate flared up in the back corridors of Tushino and on the pages of the Turkish press: could Moscow’s CSKA hold on to one of Uzbekistan’s brightest talents — 21 year-old attacking midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev — or would the player chart a course for Istanbul and Başakşehir? Skeptics threw up their hands, while optimists anticipated a monumental career upgrade for the footballer. The plot took on a new angle after revelations from former Army-man Vitaliy Denisov, who decided to put the accents in the right places.
Rumors and Facts: Setting the Pieces on the Transfer Board
Player agents and bloggers competed to drop “exclusives” about a signed contract, yet CSKA’s official channels remained dry: “the medical has not been passed — no agreement has been concluded.” The negotiations are indeed under way, the player’s entourage confirms, but no paperwork has yet reached the desk of the Turkish Football Federation. The estimated fee hovers around €7 million — a solid advance of trust for a footballer who has only just stepped beyond youth level.
A Voice From the Locker Room: Denisov on Character and Prospects
Vitaliy Denisov, who for many years shared trophy joy with the Army Men, is convinced: the 2024/25 campaign was a stress test for Fayzullaev’s resilience. Yet the midfielder did not flinch: “The lad worked without concessions, carried the national team, dished out assists, decided episodes,” Denisov notes. In his view the Turkish Süper Lig is not elite on the level of the Premier League, but it is a serious stage: high tempo, fervent fan atmosphere, tactical flexibility of coaches. The move would push Abbosbek out of his comfort zone, while CSKA would receive both a financial injection and a strong case study for future academy sales.
Why Istanbul Appeals: A Turkish Kaleidoscope of Opportunities
Başakşehir is renowned for betting on pacey wide players and maintaining a high share of possession. For Fayzullaev, who is used to playing on the second tempo and taking on opponents, such a system is a chance to speed up decision-making and refine his off-the-ball work. Add to that the fact that the Turkish championship regularly features in European competitions, and the player will have a showcase in front of scouts from the top-five leagues.
Hard Numbers From the Past Season
In 39 official appearances the Uzbek registered three goals and eight assists. The statistics may look modest, but the quality of the moments matters: two of the goals came in decisive Russian Cup matches, while four of the assists were recorded in UEFA Conference League group games. Fayzullaev’s combined xG + xA consistently exceeded one meaningful contribution per 90 minutes, which is persuasive for a player who blends the roles of inside forward and number eight.
Broader Horizons: The Deal’s Impact on Uzbek Football
Should the transfer go through, it would be the most expensive move ever for an outfield player from Uzbekistan. Such a precedent would strengthen local clubs’ bargaining positions and raise the ambition bar for young players. For the national team it is vital that its key creator sees regular minutes in a competitive environment — only then will the quality of the country’s side take a step forward.
What Awaits Fans in the New Season
The story’s progress will now have to be followed in real time: will Abbosbek clear the medical, will the clubs agree on bonuses, how quickly will the player adapt to a new way of life? Yet one thing is already clear: a road is opening up for the young attacking midfielder on which his trademark speed of thought and feel for the pass can propel his career into an international orbit. Which means fans of Uzbek and Russian football have yet another storyline worth shouting themselves hoarse over.
