Azerbaijani striker Rufat Dadashov has left Phoenix Rising for FC Schalke 04 II, both sides have confirmed.
The 29-year-old has scored 15 goals with the Phoenix club, but has now departed with immediate effect.
Here’s what we know:
The Deal
Dadashov had spent his entire career in the German league system prior to signing for Phoenix Rising. During that time, he played for several clubs between the fifth tier (Oberliga) and third tier (3. Liga).
By signing for Schalke 04 II, the Azerbaijani will compete in the semi-professional Regionalliga West (fourth tier). Schalke’s first team currently competes in the 2. Bundesliga.
Dadashov’s departure does not come as a surprise. After being dropped for Saturday’s match against Las Vegas Lights, Rising coach Rick Schantz declined to comment on the reasons for his absence, but did cite “really exciting news in the future.”
So far, little has been released about the details of the transfer. It is unknown how much – if anything at all – was paid by Schalke to secure Dadashov’s services.
The Reaction from the Rising Camp
In a statement provided in the press release announcing Dadashov’s departure, Schantz described being “very pleased for Rufat,” adding that “he has been fantastic in his time here at Phoenix Rising. I am sure he will be successful in Germany. I look forward to following his career. We all wish him the very best at FC Schalke II.”
Other members of the squad have since bid their goodbyes on social media.
The Current Situation
Dadashov’s departure leaves David Egbo as the presumptive starter. The 22-year-old has scored four times in his nine appearances with the club, but has failed to find the net in his last four (two starts, two substitute appearances).
Egbo is currently on loan from Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS. Whitecaps are currently bottom of the Western Conference table, but do maintain the right to recall Egbo from Phoenix. If he were to pick up form while Vancouver continue to struggle – or if his parent club simply suffers a string of injuries – it’s possible that Rising could lose the striker.
Seyi Adekoya is the apparent second choice for Phoenix, should he be recalled from his loan at OKC Energy FC. Adekoya departed the club last Friday, and has made two substitute appearances with his new side since. Overall, Adekoya has made six substitute appearances in the 2021 season and has yet to find the scoresheet.
Another alternative in the squad would be Prince Saydee, who replaced Egbo in the second half on Saturday. However, it is not clear if Schantz would view this as a long-term option.
Potential Replacements
As of yet, there is no word from the club about seeking a replacement for Dadashov. Sources have confirmed to From the Ashes that Rising was linked to a loan deal for another forward around a month ago. However, it is not known if those pursuits have continued since.
That the club had previously refused to comment on Dadashov missing Saturday’s game implies that it was for reasons relating to the move. He had previously featured for the team in Wednesday night’s clash with Oakland, so the transfer situation must have changed during that time. Despite this, Adekoya’s loan move to OKC went ahead as planned on Friday.
This sets out two possibilities: either the transfer deal progressed quickly since Adekoya departed Phoenix, or Schantz was unbothered by his departure regardless. If the latter is true, then perhaps a replacement could be on the way after all.