It was initially rumored that the decision for Alibek Aliev to leave CFR Cluj was the player's, but Varga stated that everything happened following his order. According to Digi Sport, Varga said that he let Alibek Aliev go and that the club is changing its strategy. Varga stated that the player had a salary of around €20,000 and did not deserve the money. Varga added that Aliev scored 5 goals, not 20, and that it was enough.

Sport.ro reports that CFR Cluj has announced the departure of Alibek Aliev, even though the striker had a contract until June 2028. The club and Alibek Aliev agreed to end their collaboration. Alibek Aliev joined CFR Cluj as a free agent in January 2026 after leaving Osters.

Alibek Aliev, a 29-year-old Swedish-Russian centre-forward, will leave CFR Cluj, despite having a valid contract for the next two seasons. Alibek Aliev did not wish to continue at Cluj and was among the first players to file a memorandum due to unpaid salaries. The club also did not insist on keeping Alibek for the next season, so he will be free to look for another team. Aliev joined the club in January 2026 and in the 2025/2026 domestic league season, he made a combined 19 appearances, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. His current market value is listed by Transfermarkt as €650k.