Misak Hakobyan returns to Ararat-Armenia after just two weeks at Albanian club Egnatia

Captain of Armenia U21 Misak Hakobyan has made a surprising return to Ararat-Armenia, just two weeks after joining Albanian champions Egnatia.

The 21-year-old winger’s transfer was announced in mid-June. It was reported that Egnatia, having recently won the Albanian league, had signed Hakobyan on loan following his impressive performances for Armenia U21. However, on July 5, Hakobyan was spotted at a friendly match between Ararat-Armenia and Dinamo Tbilisi (0-0), confirming his return to the Yerevan-based club.

The reasons behind the early departure from Egnatia remain unclear, but several versions are being discussed:

• Ararat-Armenia may have recalled Hakobyan to replace a potentially departing Zhirayr Shaghoyan (though he remains with the team for now);

• The Albanian club may not have given the Armenian player enough playing time or left him out of the Champions League squad;

• There is also speculation of a possible conflict with Azerbaijani midfielder Zamik Aliyev, who plays for Egnatia.

Over the past three seasons, Hakobyan was on loan at BKMA, where he scored 7 goals and made 3 assists in the last championship. He has 15 caps and one goal for Armenia U21.

Hakobyan also played in several friendly matches for Egnatia.