Azmoun on Al Ain radar for FIFA Club World Cup: Report
Shabab Al Ahli striker Sardar Azmoun could join fellow-Emirati club Al Ain on loan for the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup, according to media reports in the Persian Gulf country.
Asian champion in the 2023/24 season, Al Ain will be one of the four clubs, along with Saudi giant Al Hilal, Ulsan HD of South Korea, and Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, to represent the continent at the revamped 32-team competition – starting June 11 in the United States.
Al Ain will begin its campaign against Serie A heavyweight Juventus in Group G – also featuring Manchester City and Moroccan club Wydad AC – at the Audi Field, Washington, D.C., on June 18.
Having joined Shabab Al Ahli from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen on a €5m contract last July, Azmoun have enjoyed a prolific debut season in the Asian club football, bagging 26 goals and 10 assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
“I would be honored to be part of the Al Ain squad at the Club World Cup, but I am currently under contract with Shabab Al Ahli, and the club will have the final say on the matter,” Azmoun said, after his team came from behind to beat Sharjah 2-1 – courtesy of a Yuri Cesar’s double – at the UAE President’s Cup final in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
This was Shabab Al Ahli’s fourth trophy of the season.
Azmoun and co. defeated Al Wasl in the shootout to lift the UAE Super Cup trophy last December, and then beat Al Rayyan 3-1 for the Qatar-UAE Challenge Shield in January.
Shabab Al Ahli clinched a second UAE Pro League crown in three seasons last week, with Azmoun making a massive contribution to the achievement with 11 goals and six assists in 19 top-flight outings.