Latest news with #KazakhstanPremierLeague
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Brendan Rodgers says what every Celtic fan thinks as Champions League playoff fate confirmed
The Parkhead boss reacted to the Hoops landing a trip to Kazakhstan to face Kairat Almaty Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic's gruelling 13-hour trek to Kazakhstan is far from ideal. The Hoops have been paired with Kairat Almaty for a place in the Champions League group stages. Celts host the Kazakh cracks at Parkhead next Wednesday before an exhausting 9,000-mile round-trip to Almaty the following Tuesday - five days before the first derby of the season at Ibrox. And Rodgers confessed he'd have preferred a short hop to Slovakia to play old foes Slovan Bratislava, who lost out to Kairat on penalties. He told Celtic TV: 'Of course, everyone would have preferred a shorter travelling distance, but they got through, they won the tie, so we'll play the first game of our two legs and our objective is to get through. 'We can really analyse them now and be prepared for the first leg next week." Celtic last faced Kazakhstan Premier League opposition when they survived a nervy fightback against Astana in 2017. The Hoops almost blew a 5-0 home lead by falling 4-1 behind in the Kazakh capital before two late goals settled the nerves. The Scottish champions eventually progressed 8-4 on aggregate but Rodgers recalled it was far from straightforward. He said: "No, it wasn't. It should never have been the case, but it's how football works. "Yeah, 5-0 in the first leg, we were very good. At half-time in the second leg, I think it was 6-1, it was one each at half-time. "So you're in a really good place and then before you know it, you've conceded three quick goals and then the tie's at 6-4. "So we'll do everything we can to make sure we get into the group stages." Skipper Callum McGregor played that night and experience tells him it's crucial Celtic make home advantage count next week. He said: 'It's going to be a tough tie. Obviously the travel and everything else comes into that and the preparation. 'We've got the home game first, and we want to try and maximise that, as we would against any opponent. "But it could be even more important now that we try and do the absolute maximum to get a good result at home, and then negotiate the travel. 'It's a tough team and we know it will be a tough tie. It's a good tie for us but one that we'll have to be at our best to get through. "The travel and everything else that presents, it will be a tough tie, no doubt about it. "So we'll have to go there. Hopefully, we have a lead from the first game, but we have to look after that first and foremost and then over the two legs, can we do enough to get through?"
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Who are Kairat Almaty? Celtic foes with Chelsea bound wonderkid offer up gruelling Champions League journey into unknown
It's a hell of a tie for Celtic who face a gruelling Champions League trip to Kazakhstan A gruelling trip to Kazakhstan is what stands between Celtic and the Champions League proper – and what a journey it promises to be for Brendan Rodgers and the brave band of Hoops diehards who make it. When the names came out of the hat, it looked a good draw for Celtic who learned it was either Kairat Almaty or last season's foes Slovan Bratislava waiting in the playoff round. Their third qualifying round encounter went all the way to penalties but eventually it was Kairat, courtesy of a penalty from Jorginho (not that one), who advanced to put them within one tie of a first ever Champions League appearance. Celtic though will be out to deny them that, and the Hoops are heavy favourites against a team who have only once played European tournament football in their history. As they know from experience, though, trips to Kazakhstan aren't always as straightforward as they seem. So, who actually are Kairat Almaty? And what sort of challenge do they pose to Brendan Rodgers and his team? Record Sport takes a look at what lies in wait for Celtic. Who are Kairat Almaty? There are two major footballing forces in Kazakhstan. One of them is Astana, who Celtic faced back in 2017 – and lost the return leg 4-3 after dishing out a Parkhead hammering. The other is Kairat, the current reigning champions who are out to make history this season. A footballing force from the days of the Soviet League, which they won twice in 1976 and 1983, Kairat have risen back to prominence over the last decade and a half and won the Kazakhstan Premier League for the fourth time in their history last season. They've come through every round of Champions League qualifying to get here, and had to come back from a 2-0 first leg defeat to Finnish side Kuopion Palloseura to set up their thriller with Slovan. They are very much a modern day force of football in central Asia and have taken strides under former Kazakh international Rafael Urazbakhtin since he took over last year. Qualifying for the Champions League proper would be an historic accomplishment for them – though regulars in the qualifying phases, they have only once played European tournament football, and that was in the Conference League in 2021-22. They boast a largely homegrown squad, including talisman and wonderkid Dastan Satpaev who has already secured a move to Chelsea after he turns 18 (more on him later). But they also have a large Brazilian and Portuguese contingent, like striker Jorginho and left-back Luis Mata who they will be leaning on to provide the flare to damage Celtic. Where do Kairat Almaty play? The short answer? Miles away. This is the fun bit as far as Celtic fans are concerned. The country itself is further east than Afghanistan, but Almaty is on the very, very far side of Kazakhstan. 4,500 miles separates Glasgow from Almaty, and the quickest the trip can be done takes over 13 hours, with a stop in Frankfurt along the way. Once you reach Astana – where Celtic fans flocked in 2017 – it's a further 1,000 miles south east. It's a trip that separates the men from the boys. Once you get there, though, it all looks pretty nice. Much like the 30,000 seater stadium rivals Astana play at, Kairat boast an elite standard 23,800 capacity stadium simply named Central Stadium, which they have owned since 2015. The turf purists will be happy, because unlike their rivals, Kairat's home stadium has a grass pitch rather than a synthetic surface. How good are they? Celtic will be heavy favourites – early odds have Kairat at around 12/1 to cause an upset at Parkhead next week – but make no mistake, the Kazakhs are handy. In recent years, they've beaten sides like Red Star Belgrade and AZ Alkmaar in Europe so this stage is nothing new to them. They've also faced Scottish opposition in the not too distant past – in 2015, they dumped Aberdeen out in Europa League qualifying before losing to Bordeaux. Last year they tipped Astana to the title by a single point and lead them by three heading into final stretch of the 2025 campaign. The fact they already have 19 league games and three European ties under their belt also means they are likely to be sharper than Celtic who are still getting going for the season. Kairat Almaty's danger men Dastan Satpaev is the name on everyone's lips as far as Kazakh football is concerned. He only just turned 17 this week, and has already sealed a £2m move to Chelsea which he'll make official next year after he turns 18. Long established as a wonderkid to watch, he's already scored three times in Champions League qualifying this season including the winner in the first leg with Slovan. He's also been capped three times by his country. Again; he only turned 17 this week. Portuguese striker Jorginho is also a threat while midfielders Valery Gromkyo and Giorgi Zaria offer goals from deep. They tend to spread the goals around and are proficient from set pieces. Celtic face them at Parkhead on Wednesday, August 20 and will be aiming for a convincing victory that makes the gruelling trip east a week later that little bit less stressful. If they don't get that, there's always a chance it could get hairy over there.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Islam Chesnokov to Hearts transfer latest as Derek McInnes reveals timeline talks
The Kazakh winger has agreed a pre-contract but Derek McInnes wants him now Hearts boss Derek McInnes says he's desperate to get Kazakh winger Islam Chesnokov to Gorgie before the start of the SPFL season. But the Tynecastle gaffer admits he might have to look at different options if the 25-year-old doesn't arrive in Edinburgh early. Chesnokov has signed a pre-contract deal with Hearts but his current deal at Tobol doesn't expire until October 31. The Kazakhstan Premier League is up and running, with his team challenging for a league title. McInnes and Hearts' recruitment team are trying to find an agreement which would allow Chesnokov to join the club early. If they can't, they wouldn't be able to register their new signing until the January transfer window. McInnes is keen to work with Chesnokov and sees him as a key player in the wide right position. But if a deal can't be struck before the start of the Scottish Premiership campaign, the Jambos boss insists he'll be forced to look at alternatives in that position. He said: 'The recruitment team are due to speak to Islam. He's obviously signed the pre-contract. 'But their season runs on so we're not fully in charge of that situation. 'His team don't want to lose him at this stage of the season because they'll be at the business end of theirs. "I've said to the club I'd like him in as quickly as possible if we can find a solution. I had a good chat with Islam myself last Wednesday. 'We have a plan to deal with it, if we get him great, if we don't we will maybe just look to bring him in in January instead. 'We are trying to be as patient as we can but ideally we'd get him in this window.'
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts transfer work continues as Uchenna Ogundu agrees deal in Turkey - Islam Chesnokov & Lawrence Shankland
The Nigerian forward is close to signing for Alanyaspor but Chesnokov and Shankland are ongoing Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu is set to stay in Turkey following transfer interest from various European clubs, including Hearts. The 19-year-old has a preliminary agreement to join Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor on a five-year contract after his exit from second division Sanliurfaspor. He is due for a medical there today. However, the decision will not deter Tynecastle officials in their attempts to strengthen attacking options. Head coach Derek McInnes regards signing a right-sided wide player a priority, with protracted negotiations for the Kazakhstan internationalist Islam Chesnokov still ongoing. Hearts have other targets for that position and are willing to move on alternatives in case Chesnokov's move does not reach a conclusion. As things stand, they are still determined to bring him to Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tobol Kostanay player, 25, has scored five goals and claimed two assists from 12 appearances in the Kazakhstan Premier League so far this season. That includes a goal and an assist in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Zhetysu. Tobol are challenging for the league title and are reluctant to let Chesnokov, their star player, leave midway through the campaign. They are currently third in the table, six points behind leaders FC Astana with two games in hand. Chesnokov is out of contract in October and willing to sign a pre-contract agreement to join Hearts at that point. However, Tynecastle officials want a quick deal this summer to avoid him arriving outwith a transfer window and being unable to register with the Scottish Football Association until January. They are willing to pay a fee to make that happen. Ogundu was a target identified by Hearts' recruitment data partner, Jamestown Analytics. He impressed with Sanliurfaspor during the second half of last season and attracted interest from Super Lig clubs Fenerbahce, Alanyaspor and Samsunspor. Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard and Gornik Zabrze also monitored him. He moved to Turkey last August from Diamond Academy in his native Nigeria, scoring six goals and claiming two assists in 19 appearances for Sanliurfaspor after making his senior debut in January. His performances captured attention from scouts and his data ranked well with Jamestown. He is now preparing to continue his career in Turkey after reaching a verbal agreement with Alanyaspor over the weekend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lawrence Shankland's Hearts future talks Hearts remain in discussions with striker Lawrence Shankland, whose future remains undecided after his Tynecastle contract expired earlier this week. McInnes has spoken with the Scotland internationalist several times, the latest being just a few days ago, in an effort to convince him to stay. Other clubs in Britain and abroad have been in contact with Shankland's representatives. 'Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider,' said McInnes in an interview with Sky Sports. 'We think we're a really strong option for him whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes, we've got to wait and see. But there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look after him and I've got to look after Hearts. Hopefully, we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts. 'He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him. I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence. I believe we're the best option for him at this moment. He's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season. If he can go score 25, at least 25 goals next season and I think it's a safe bet he'd be going to the World Cup with Scotland, so hopefully there's loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. 'I always feel deadlines are not always healthy, they can sometimes be a bit antagonistic. There's been enough conversations with Lawrence. I'm due to speak to him again today and we'll see where we go with it. There will come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet but sooner rather than later really to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with. I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well.'
Scotsman
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Islam Chesnokov to Hearts transfer latest as the winger shows what he will bring to Tynecastle
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now The Kazakhstan internationalist could be in Edinburgh during the summer window Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Islam Chesnokov is prepared to interrupt his season and join Hearts at the earliest opportunity if a transfer deal is agreed this summer. The Edinburgh club are set to sign the Tobol Kastanay winger on a pre-contract agreement, with paperwork expected to be processed next month. The prospect of a quick transfer in time for next season would then rise considerably, and Hearts are willing to push hard to bring Chesnokov to Tynecastle for the 2025/26 campaign starting. The 25-year-old is currently five games into the 2025 Kazakhstan Premier League campaign with Tobol, who sit third in the table after beating Aktobe 2-0 at the Tobol Arena on Saturday. His contract there is due to expire on 31 October and he is destined to leave his homeland for pastures new in an effort to further his career. Hearts are poised to secure his services on a pre-contract after failing to agree a transfer deal with Tobol in January this year. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A pre-contract would enable Chesnokov to join Hearts officially on 1 November, but he could not be registered with the Scottish Football Association until the winter transfer window opens on 1 January, 2026. Tynecastle officials and the player want to avoid that scenario. They will work to agree a deal with Tobol to let Chesnokov leave midway through Kazakhstan's domestic campaign and join Hearts during this summer's window. Chesnokov demonstrated what he can bring to Scotland by scoring a fine second goal for Tobol against Aktobe, which was captured on social media by the respected football analyst Tom Irving. It is one of several videos posted by his Irving Analysis account highlighting Chesnokov's ability to attack and score from various angles. A left-footed winger who normally prefers playing on the right flank, Chesnokov is versatile and able to operate anywhere across the front line. He is a Kazakhstan internationalist with 13 caps and two goals for his country so far. Since joining Tobol in 2023, he has now scored 21 goals in 69 appearances and claimed 11 assists. His attacking instincts and pace are commodities badly needed in Gorgie for next season. Hearts intend to do some extensive surgery on their first-team squad during the summer months. They have already secured a new right-back for next season in the shape of 25-year-old Norwegian Christian Borchgrevink, who also agreed a pre-contract deal to move to Edinburgh from Valerenga. His arrival alongside Chesnokov's would give an entirely new look to the right side of the Hearts team. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Other areas of the side are due to be addressed once the transfer window opens as business begins to intensify. Hearts chief executive Andrew McKinlay revealed last week that supporters can expect 'significant change' over the summer. The prospect of Chesnokov's arrival along with Borchgrevink is already exciting fans after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign. Hearts lost the Scottish Cup semi-final against Aberdeen after extra-time on Saturday and are consigned to finishing in the bottom six of the Premiership. A summer rebuild is required to improve standards and ensure the club returns to the top half of the table.
