Former Moscow Spartak player and Russia national team veteran Alexander Mostovoy recently weighed in on the chatter about Artem Dzyuba possibly moving to a club in Azerbaijan. Speaking to Championship, Mostovoy offered a cautious take on the idea, suggesting that a switch to the Azerbaijan Premier League would not naturally align with Dzyuba’s career trajectory at this stage.
Mostovoy watched the opening round of the season and expressed doubts about any club in Azerbaijan needing Dzyuba or that such a move would represent a meaningful step forward for him. At 34 years old, the forward faces questions about his ability to adapt and deliver at a level that would satisfy both the player and potential suitors. The veteran’s assessment implied that, unless there were compelling terms or a clear plan for regular playing time, the move might feel like a comfortable ending rather than a bold next chapter.
The latest reports indicated that Dzyuba remained in shape at Rubin Kazan, even after the club faced relegation to the first division following last season’s results. Yet there were hints that the striker might not be prepared to sign a full contract with the Kazan club, sparking further speculation about his next destination and the direction of his career path in the near term.
Former Zenit coach Vlastimil Petržela has also weighed in, saying that moving to the Azerbaijan championship would likely be a poor option for Dzyuba. Petržela’s perspective echoed the sentiment that the rise in competition and the level of football in the top circles of Russian football could be more advantageous for the forward than a late-career spell away from the country’s top leagues. In short, the discussion around Dzyuba’s future remains unsettled, with several scenarios on the table and no definitive decision yet ahead of him. At present, the consensus among observers is that a move to Azerbaijan would not automatically bolster his standing or offer the kind of progression young players seek as they approach the twilight years of their playing days. The talk continues, framed by questions about form, motivation, and the strategic choices that shape a veteran striker’s remaining years on the pitch.