Empoli have officially announced the acquisition of defender Saba Sazonov on a temporary loan with an option to buy from Torino. The 22-year-old Georgian and Russian national joins the Azzurri to bolster their defensive lineup for the upcoming season.
Born in St. Petersburg on February 1, 2002, Sazonov developed his skills in the youth academy of Zenit St. Petersburg. He made his debut in the Russian Premier League in May 2021, contributing to Zenit’s championship-winning season.
Following his success in Russia, Sazonov moved to Dynamo Moscow, where he made 44 appearances and scored one goal over two seasons. His impressive performances caught the attention of Torino, who signed him in August 2023.
Sazonov’s Serie A debut came in September during an away match against Lazio. In his first season in Italy, he featured in 12 games for Torino, gaining valuable experience in one of Europe’s top leagues.
On the international stage, Sazonov has represented Georgia at both the U21 and senior levels. He played a significant role in Georgia’s U21 European Championship campaign, scoring in a 2-0 victory over Portugal. For the senior national team, Sazonov has already earned three caps.
This loan move to Empoli presents Sazonov with an opportunity to further develop his skills and gain more playing time in Serie A. Empoli will benefit from his defensive prowess and international experience as they aim to strengthen their squad for the challenges ahead.
