Estonian bronze medallists Nõmme Kalju FC have announced a new three-year contract for goalkeeper Maksim Pavlov, extending his stay with the club until the end of 2028.
The 22-year-old shot-stopper, who joined Kalju in the summer of 2023 after coming through the Levadia system, made the most of his opportunity this season when long-time starting goalkeeper and team captain Henri Perk suffered a lengthy injury. Pavlov stepped in impressively, featuring in 24 Premium Liiga matches and playing a decisive role in Kalju’s Estonian Cup triumph – notably saving two penalties in the shootout victory over Levadia. He also stopped a penalty in a European qualifying match away to Albania’s Partizani, earning further recognition.
Perk eventually returned to fitness late in the season and reclaimed the No. 1 role for the final 12 league matches, with Pavlov serving as backup. Across two and a half seasons with the first team, Pavlov has made 49 appearances for Kalju, keeping 18 clean sheets.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Pavlov expressed gratitude and excitement for the years ahead:
“My heartfelt thanks to the club, coaches, and fans for their trust. I feel at home at Kalju and I’m very happy about the new contract. A special thanks to our goalkeeper coach for his patience and daily work that helps me develop. I’m excited to see where this journey takes us over the next years.”
Kalju’s goalkeeper coach Piotr Ostrowski praised Pavlov’s potential and fit within the club’s development philosophy:
“Our aim is to nurture young goalkeepers with the highest potential in Estonia – players with a realistic chance to reach the national team and play abroad. We’ve built a strong and professional environment here, and Maksim is an excellent example of where dedication and systematic hard work can lead.”
