Longtime captain Elman Tagayev (36), one of the best Turkmen footballers of his generation, is leaving the club. "On behalf of FC Ahal and our fans – thank you very much! #10 EL CAPITANO," the press service said in a statement.

In addition to Tagayev, experienced players Alibek Abdurakhmanov (35), Gurban Annaev (30), and Salim Umarov (24) have left the team. The club expressed "endless gratitude" to all the players for their hard work and dedication.

Several media outlets previously reported the possible departure of several other key players, including Bakhtiyar Gurgenov, Hakmuhammet Bashimov, Akmamet Metdayev, Azat Rahmanov, and Begench Mammiev. However, “Ahal's” press service did not confirm this information, noting that Gurgenov's contract had already been renewed for the new season.

As a reminder, “Ahal” also changed its head coach. Velsahet Ovezov has been replaced by Eziz Annamuhammedov, who previously managed the club's reserve team. Ovezov remains with “Ahal” as an assistant coach, the club's press service confirmed to Turkmenportal.

Under Ovezov, “Ahal” twice won silver in the Turkmenistan Championship and twice reached the final of the National Cup. In the current 2024/25 AFC Champions League II season, the team overcame the qualifying round, defeating Tajikistan's “Regar-TadAZ”, and advanced to the group stage.

The team returns from vacation on January 15. The transfer window for the Turkmenistan Championship will be open until the end of February, giving the club ample time to prepare its roster for the new season, which traditionally begins in early spring. In the fall, “Ahal” will play international matches under the auspices of the AFC. The club is actively working to strengthen its squad, and information on new transfers will be announced soon.