AZ squad changes ahead of Conference League matches against Noah

Dutch side AZ approach the UEFA Europa Conference League round of 32 tie against Armenian club Noah without any major squad losses. None of the team’s key players have left the club.

At the same time, AZ have strengthened their squad with three new signings, all of whom are included in the tournament squad:

• Right winger Ayoub Oufkir, signed from Sparta Rotterdam for €5 million;

• Forward Jizz Hornkamp, acquired from Heracles for €4.5 million — he has scored 10 goals this season;

• Central defender Rion Ichihara from Japan.

Noah have not made any notable signings during the winter transfer window so far, but there have been changes to their Conference League squad. Replacing Ognen Čančarević, Guðmundur Þórarinsson, Alen Grgić and Artak Dashyan, who left the club, the registered squad now includes Aleksei Ploshchadnyi, Nermin Zolotić and Aram Khamoyan.

The club’s only winter signing, Misak Hakobyan, was not included in the Conference League squad.

The first leg of the Conference League round of 32 between Noah and AZ will take place on February 19 in Yerevan, with the return match scheduled for February 26 in Alkmaar.