According to Voetbal International, Luxembourg international Tomás Cruz, who plays for Benfica's reserve team, has abandoned a potential transfer to Kairat Almaty. This decision comes after a phone call from his national team coach, Jeff Strasser. Strasser reportedly advised Cruz to stay with Benfica's reserve team, citing that if he joined Kairat Almaty, he would no longer be eligible to play for the Luxembourg national team.
Kairat Almaty coach Rafael Urazbakhtin explained that the Kazakhstani club cannot compete with the financial offers that top European clubs can make, which is why they are struggling to attract top talent. Kairat Almaty made headlines last season when they qualified for the Champions League group stage, becoming the second Kazakhstani team to achieve this feat. They played against Levski Sofia in the Champions League.
Tomás Cruz will continue to play for Benfica's reserve team for now, with his next move remaining to be seen.