FROM GARABAGH TO SEVILLA

Azerbaijani football is on the brink of a significant historic transfer. Olavio Juninho, a player for the undefeated champion of the country in recent years, Garabagh, is rumoured to be joining one of the clubs from the 'Big Five' countries. Discussions are underway with Sevilla, a team that competes in Spain's top division, La Liga.

Long Way to Sevilla

Juninho's career commenced in 2014 at Atletico Paranaense, and the Brazilian international was loaned to Serie C club Guaratingeta a year later. In 2016, Juninho was loaned to Portimonense from the Portuguese Segunda Liga, marking his first venture into European football. Subsequent loan spells at Brazilian clubs Novorizontino, Figueirense, and Vila Nova did not result in permanent transfers.

In 2019, Olavio received a second invitation from Europe. The Portuguese Segunda Liga club Estoril acquired the player on loan for one year, during which he scored six goals in 26 matches. At the end of the season, Olavio returned to Atlético Paranaense. In 2020, he joined the Portuguese club Chaves on a four-year contract. Finally, on June 25, 2023, the management of the Aghdam club approved his transfer to Garabagh, with whom he signed a three-year contract, and the Aghdam club paid a compensation of €450,000 for him. While Juninho's primary position at Garabagh is as a centre forward, he is best known for his previous role as a right winger (attacking midfielder).

Juninho made his debut for Garabagh in the second qualifying round of the Champions League against Rakuv. In the previous European Cup season, Juninho became a key figure for the Aghdam club. His outstanding performances against Portuguese side 'Braga' and 'Bayer Leverkusen' in the Europa League endeared him to fans. It is therefore no surprise that he was named the best footballer of the 2023/2024 season in the Azerbaijani championship.

In autumn, the Aghdam club received an official offer from the Spanish side Sevilla. The Spanish club is awaiting a response from 'Garabagh', having initially proposed a fee of €2 million, which was subsequently increased to €3 million, and then to €3.5 million for Juninho. The Azerbaijani champions have outlined a number of conditions, indicating to Sevilla that Juninho's transfer may not be as straightforward as initially anticipated.

Significant Loss

If Juninho were to leave Garabagh during the winter transfer window, it would represent a substantial loss for the Aghdam club. With two Europa League matches scheduled for January, Garabagh would face challenges in finding a suitable replacement. The issue lies in the fact that high-caliber players are not available as free agents in winter. Consequently, the club would need to invest more time and financial resources. For this reason, Garabagh is making every effort to ensure that any transfer occurs in the spring-summer period.

A positive aspect is that Juninho has attracted interest from Spanish clubs. The La Liga club, which is among the top leagues globally, has been observing Juninho's performances and those of 'Garabagh' for some time. Historically, Spanish clubs have not traditionally approached Azerbaijani teams regarding player transfers. If this transfer were to materialise, it could potentially lead to a heightened level of attention for Azerbaijani football. Conversely, it is well known that the Aghdam club aims to maximize its profit from selling its players.

In response to Sevilla's offer, Juninho's response was concise: 'I cannot comment on this situation. I have a contract with Garabagh. I am awaiting an agreement between the parties. The outcome will depend on a range of factors, not just my own wishes. It is always flattering to receive an offer from such a club.'

Garabagh head coach Gurban Gurbanov confirmed that Juninho is pleased to have received an invitation from Sevilla, stating that every footballer is happy to receive an invitation from such a club. Olavio admitted that the ongoing transfer discussions had led to a period of heightened excitement and restlessness. As the negotiations are still ongoing, it would be inappropriate to disclose their progress.'

It is important to note that players representing Azerbaijani clubs rarely attract interest from European nations. The last instance of this was when Garabagh sought to sell key player Kadi Borges to Russian side Krasnodar last summer, resulting in a transfer fee of $5 million for the Aghdam club.

Juninho has been identified as a player of significant ability, and it is evident that the 28-year-old Brazilian is keen to transfer to Sevilla. Competing in La Liga would pit Olavio Juninho against giants such as Real Madrid and Barcelona and could potentially allow Garabagh to capitalise on his departure. There is a possibility that Juninho's transfer could occur as early as January.

It is also noteworthy that interest in Juninho's transfer has been expressed by Red Star of Serbia and a Bulgarian club, in addition to Sevilla.