Estonian Premium Liiga side Harju JK Laagri have announced squad changes following the conclusion of the season, confirming that goalkeeper Ivans Baturins, forward Kristofer Piht, and midfielder Mahamud Karimu will all leave the club.
Latvian goalkeeper Ivans Baturins departs after playing a key role in what proved to be a historic campaign for the club. The 28-year-old was Harju’s undisputed first choice between the posts, appearing in 35 of 36 league matches, conceding 69 goals and keeping three clean sheets. It marked a return to Harju for Baturins, who also represented the club during their first-ever season in Estonia’s top flight in 2023. This time, however, his contribution was even more significant, as he helped Harju secure their place in the Premium Liiga for the first time in the club’s history with a seventh-place finish.
Before joining Harju, Baturins built experience across the Baltic region, playing for FK Ventspils and FK Tukums 2000 in Latvia, Džiugas Telšiai in Lithuania, and also featuring in Estonia for TJK Legion.
Striker Kristofer Piht also moves on after just one season in Laagri. The 24-year-old arrived from Paide Linnameeskond and enjoyed his most productive top-flight campaign since 2022. Across all competitions, Piht made 38 appearances, scoring 12 goals and adding five assists, including six goals in league matches.
Midfielder Mahamud Karimu, meanwhile, returns to parent club FK Metta in Latvia following a short loan spell. The 22-year-old joined Harju in the summer but found opportunities limited, making eight appearances in the second half of the campaign without registering a goal or assist.
