Narva Trans have announced the signing of 23-year-old midfielder Murad Valiyev, who has agreed a contract running until the end of the 2027 season. The Azeri-Estonia dual national will wear the number 7 shirt.
Valiyev was born in Tallinn and developed through Estonian football with spells at Kalev, Levadia and Nõmme United. He has made 88 appearances in the Premium Liiga, scoring five goals. At international level, he represented Estonia at U16 and U18 level before going on to earn 15 caps for Azerbaijan’s U21 national team.
In the 2025 season, Valiyev played in Azerbaijan for Shamakhi, helping the club to a seventh-place finish. Assessing his time there, he described the league as physically strong and increasingly competitive following the removal of the foreign-player limit, with Qarabag’s regular participation in European competitions raising the overall standard. “I finished the season with very good emotions,” Valiyev said. “I feel that I became stronger as a footballer and gained a lot of positive experience.”
Valiyev explained that a return to Estonia was not initially planned, but discussions with Narva Trans head coach Roman Kozhukhovskiy convinced him the move was the right step. “I liked the coach’s idea here in Narva and understood that this would be a good step forward in my career,” he said. “The fact that I won’t be considered a foreign player should also play an important role and allow me to get significant playing time.”
Comfortable both in attacking roles and across the right flank, Valiyev says his preference is to contribute going forward but remains flexible. “I like playing in attack – scoring and creating chances – but if the coach sees me in defence, that’s not a problem. I’m ready to help the team wherever needed,” he noted.
Narva Trans head coach Roman Kozhukhovskiy highlighted the midfielder’s mentality and character. “Murad is a player with character, strong football intelligence and a clear understanding of the game,” he said. “He takes responsibility, is not afraid of pressure and is always focused on results. We believe he can grow together with the team and strengthen us already here and now.”
Valiyev joins Narva Trans ahead of the new season as the club looks to build on last year’s fifth-place finish in the Estonian Premium Liiga.
Source: https://www.fctrans.ee/2025/12/murad-veliev-perehodit-v-narva-trans/
