Aston Villa's Rising Star Easah Suliman's Shocking Move to Sumgayit Surprises Fans, While Pakistan's Rahis Nabi Shines in Cyprus Training
Aston Villa academy graduate Easah Suliman switches to Azerbaijani side Sumgayit FK, joining Pakistan teammate Rahis Nabi While Nabi trains in Cyprus, Suliman made his national debut in June Don't miss the latest updates on British South Asians in football, including the potential signing of Raikhy by the Foxes
Easah Suliman has signed with Sumgayit FK and will now be playing league football in Azerbaijan. Last week, our news team broke the story of Suliman's transfer, after he was chosen for the first-ever British South Asians in Football Team of the Season. He had traveled to Azerbaijan to finalize the deal.
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The central defender has penned a two-year deal with Sumgayit, bringing an end to his three-and-half-year spell with Portuguese top-flight side Vitoria Guimaraes.
Suliman, a product of Aston Villa's academy, gained recognition when he capitalized on a pass from Mason Mount to net the opening goal in the decisive match that saw England triumphantly claim the U19 European Championship title in 2017. Suliman, a former captain of the England youth team, swiftly rose to prominence with this noteworthy achievement.
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Easah Suliman arriving at Heathrow Airport with U19 Euros trophy
The 25-year-old debuted for Villa in a League Cup match against Wigan in 2017, during the tenure of former manager Steve Bruce.
Last month, Suliman made his international debut for Pakistan in a match against Kenya in Mauritius. This came three days after fellow British-Pakistani Otis Khan, a midfielder for Grimsby Town, also made his international debut for the Shaheens.
Pakistan international Nabi training in Cyprus
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We have been informed by We News that Rahis Nabi, a graduate of West Brom academy and a Pakistan international, is currently undergoing training in Cyprus as he considers his next move. Nabi, who previously represented England at the U18 level, has gained recognition as the 'Pakistani Pirlo' in his home country due to his outstanding midfield displays during the South Asian Football Federation Championship (SAFF), which marked Pakistan's return to international football.
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Rahis, who had previously played for Burnley, is the younger sibling of Adil Nabi, a former Dundee forward. Adil Nabi recently transferred to Doxa Katokopias.
The 24-year-old has offers on the table in England and is now weighing up his options ahead of the new season.
Foxes set to sign Raikhy
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Arjan Raikhy produced a stunning performance in Aston Villa's 2021 FA Youth Cup triumph
FA Youth Cup winner and former Aston Villa midfielder Arjan Raikhy looks set to join Leicester City.
We News revealed earlier this month that Punjabi wonderkid Raikhy was poised to decide his future, amid interest from clubs across the divisions.
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Raikhy gained attention after scoring an impressive goal against Chelsea while playing for Villa's U18s in November 2020.
Within a short span of two months, the highly skilled midfielder earned his first appearance for the senior first-team in an FA Cup third-round match against Liverpool. This remarkable moment was hailed as "extraordinary" by Punjabi Villans, a supporters' group.
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Raikhy ended a memorable season by setting up Ben Chrisene's opener in a 2-1 victory against Liverpool as Villa's U18s lifted the FA Youth Cup.
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Arjan Raikhy witnessed the joyous celebration of the Grimsby players scoring a goal in the play-off final at Wembley, causing him to turn away and smile.
Continuing his success, the central midfielder had another fruitful season by accomplishing the impressive feat of aiding two teams, Stockport County and Grimsby Town, in their promotions back to the Football League through separate loan spells.
Despite impressing for Villa during their winter break in Dubai ahead of last year's World Cup, Raikhy was one of eight players - including Ashley Young and Jed Steer - released at the end of last season.
Raikhy attends Sporting Khalsa vs Punjab United
Raikhy and his fellow Sikh-Punjabi professional footballer Mal Benning recently made an appearance at an event to celebrate South Asians in The Game, held before Sporting Khalsa's pre-season friendly against Punjab United.Due to your consent preferences, you’re not able to view this.
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In collaboration with the Football Association and Three Lions, both clubs have joined forces to offer 200 complimentary match tickets to the community. Prior to the event, a special showcase was organized, highlighting the achievements of talented players of South Asian descent who have successfully overcome barriers to participate in competitive football in England.
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Arjan Raikhy is seen in a photo with Dev Trehan from We News and the South Asians in Football Team of the Season at Sporting Khalsa FC.
The attendees had a great time participating in a Talent ID taster session and had the privilege of getting to know the players who were part of an unprecedented Team of the Season. This special team was curated by We News journalist and FA Level 2 scout Dev Trehan, in collaboration with Zohaib Rashid, the founder of Desi Ballers.
Sporting Khalsa's match against Punjab United marked their third consecutive annual encounter, concluding with a fitting result of a 3-3 draw. Punjab United showcased their resilience by mounting a remarkable comeback from a 3-1 deficit, ultimately securing a well-deserved share of the spoils.
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A traditional Punjabi drummer had earlier led the teams onto the pitch for a match that was officiated by the first turbaned Sikh referee in English football league history, Jarnail Singh.
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Singh, whose elder son Sunny Singh Gill is the country's highest-ranked British South Asian referee, presided over the game as part of a South Asian officiating crew, with the aim of showcasing refereeing talent and pathways into the game.
