SIPG exit flips the script on Akhmedov's season

Long-serving Uzbek midfielder leaves title hopefuls for struggling Tianjin

Odil Akhmedov's midseason switch from Shanghai SIPG to Tianjin Teda was as surprising to himself as it was the fans. But now the Uzbek midfielder has vowed to shift his focus from fighting for the title with SIPG to saving free-falling Teda from relegation.

"For me it's pretty hard to say goodbye to Shanghai SIPG," said Akhmedov after Teda announced his arrival last Friday. "I will need some time to fit into the new team and to get to know all of my teammates. I hope we can fight together to avoid relegation."

Akhmedov signed for Shanghai in 2017 from Russian Premier League side Krasnodar, going on to become a core player in the SIPG midfield. Akhmedov has played 64 Chinese Super League matches, including eight this season, scoring nine goals and contributing nine assists.