According to reports from AmanVIBE, Abat Aimbetov is set to return to Aktobe, but could the move signal the impending departure of one of Kazakhstan’s brightest young talents?
Aimbetov’s last club was Romanian side Petrolul, where the Kazakhstan international made nine appearances, all from the bench, and scored once.
Romanian outlet Gazeta Sporturilor reported that the decision not to extend Aimbetov’s contract was mutual. The forward struggled to fully adapt, both on and off the pitch, and did not push to remain at the club. Instead, a return to Kazakhstan was said to be his priority.
A return at the right time?
For Aktobe, bringing back one of their academy graduates could be an attempt to revive a season that began with far greater expectations.
In January, the club officially entered private ownership. The new owners described Aktobe as a long-term sporting project, promising to improve results while investing in the academy, infrastructure and the club’s overall structure.
The takeover was followed by an ambitious recruitment drive. Former Shakhtar Donetsk, Dynamo Moscow and VfL Bochum defender Ivan Ordets arrived, while former Manchester United and Portugal winger Luís Nani came out of retirement to join the club.
Both made their debuts on the opening day of the season, with Ordets scoring and Nani providing an assist.
With new investment and high-profile signings, Aktobe were widely expected to challenge at the top of the Kazakhstan Premier League. Instead, after 17 matches, they sit seventh with 25 points.
They trail leaders Ordabasy by 15 points, although they remain just four points behind third place and the European qualification spots.
Head coach Štefan Tarkovič has also come under increasing pressure.
Before the home match against Zhetysu, reports suggested the Slovak could lose his job if Aktobe dropped more points.
A week earlier, the club had suffered a 1-0 defeat away to the same opponents before edging the return fixture 2-1 thanks to a dramatic 98th-minute winner.
However, Aktobe then suffered another setback, losing 3-2 to Astana despite leading twice. The decisive goal arrived in stoppage time, further increasing the pressure on Tarkovič.
A short-term solution, or planning for the future?
Aimbetov could provide Tarkovič with an immediate solution. The striker already knows the city, the club and the league, meaning he would require little time to settle.
A return to Aktobe would also give the 30-year-old the chance to revive his career and force his way back into the Kazakhstan national team.
However, a place in the starting XI is far from guaranteed. Tarkovič already has Artur Shushenachev, Daniel Sosa and Vitaliy Laturnus at his disposal.
Yet Laturnus, regarded as one of Kazakhstan’s brightest young prospects, has barely featured in recent weeks. According to Tarkovič, the 17-year-old had been unable to train with the squad, despite continuing to make matchday squads.
That raises an intriguing question: is Aimbetov simply being brought back to strengthen the squad, or is Aktobe preparing for the possible departure of Laturnus?
The academy graduate turns 18 on 23 July. In his first full Kazakhstan Premier League season, he has made 13 appearances, scoring four goals and providing one assist. Even more impressive is his efficiency, having played just over 300 minutes.
Laturnus has recently been linked with several European clubs. According to Greek media, Panathinaikos have been monitoring the striker and view him as a player for the future.
Kazakh outlets have also reported interest from Crystal Palace. Before the season began, he was even offered to Porto, although Aktobe opted to keep him.
There were also reports linking Laturnus with Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, Sky Germany reporter Marlon Irlbacher, who covers the Bundesliga club, later dismissed those claims.
Another notable development is his recent change of representation. According to Wild West, the young forward has signed with ProSports Management, the agency headed by German Tkachenko.
The agency also represents Chelsea-bound Dastan Satpaev, Roma striker Eldor Shomurodov, CSKA Moscow midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev and several other leading Central Asian footballers.
Laturnus’ reduced playing time has also attracted attention. He did not feature against Zhetysu and played only a handful of minutes against Astana.
Tarkovič explained that the striker had missed ten days of training through injury and was still regaining full fitness.
That explanation is entirely plausible. Sitting on the bench alone does not necessarily mean Aktobe are preparing to sell him. Yet the timing is difficult to ignore: his 18th birthday is approaching, he has signed with a major agency, European clubs are watching him, his minutes have declined and Aimbetov is on the verge of returning.
Perhaps the two stories are unrelated. Aktobe may simply be looking to strengthen their attack with an experienced academy graduate as they attempt to revive their season and help Tarkovič retain his job.
But there is another possibility. If Laturnus does leave Kazakhstan this summer, Aimbetov’s return may prove to be less of a coincidence and more of a carefully planned replacement. Otherwise, it is Laturnus who could find his opportunities becoming increasingly limited.