PETALING JAYA: Selangor will have a slight dent in their defence after it was confirmed that Uzbekistani centreback Umarbek Eshmuroddov will leave the side.
The 32-year-old has decided to return home after the club stated that he would not renew his contract, which ends Dec 31.
Eshmuroddov was the first foreign player signed by Selangor for the Malaysia League season, a move made in February after his performances in the AFC Asian Cup.
The Red Giants confirmed that he will be playing in the 2025 Uzbekistan Super League.
“After spending time with the club, he now returns to his home country to continue his football career.
Selangor was his first experience playing abroad, and the dedication he showed during his time with the Red Giants will always be remembered,” said a statement from the club.
“As a key figure in the defensive line, Umar played a crucial role in stopping numerous opposition attacks. Throughout 18 appearances for Selangor, spanning across the Malaysia Super League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup, Challenge Cup, and AFC Champions League Two, he contributed one goal, one assist, and helped secure eight clean sheets.”
Eshmuroddov will return to his previous club Nasaf, who won the league this year. Before joining Selangor earlier this year, he played for the Dragons from 2017 to 2023.
His departure is a blow as the team led by Katsuhito Kinoshi are looking to end the season well, with the league expected to end in April.
The lanky player was known for his calm presence in defence, always making interceptions and clearances and not making rash challenges.
Eshmuroddov is a regular as a centreback, partnering the likes of Harith Haiqal Adam Afkar and Sharul Nazeem Zulpakar.
With his departure, Kinoshi could play an all-local backline with Harith, Sharul and Ahmad Khuzaimi Piee or turn Jordanian leftback Mohamad Abualnadi to a centreback.
Singaporean international midfielder Safuwan Baharuddin can also be deployed as a centreback if needed.
This season, Selangor also lost Jordanian striker Reziq Bani Hani who left the team in May to play for Jordanian side Al-Faisaly, even though he only joined the team in February.
The other foreigners in the team are Cape Verdean winger Alvin Fortes, Jordanian midfielder Noor Al-Rawabdeh, Chilean striker Ronnie Fernandez, Venezuelan midfielder Yohandry Orozco, Croatian midfielder Nikola Jambor, Jordanian striker Ali Olwan and Ghanaian midfielder Alex Agyarkwa.
