Astana head coach Grigory Babayan commented that the club has no plans to sign Denis Glushakov, a former Moscow Spartak player, despite the veteran midfielder’s evident quality. Babayan’s remarks underscore Astana’s current recruitment priorities and their assessment of Glushakov as a potential fit for the squad.
The 37-year-old midfielder is regarded as capable, yet Astana appears uninterested in pursuing a deal at this time. This stance comes after Glushakov’s recent training camps and proximity to European competition, where his experience would be a valued asset for some clubs, but not for Astana.
Glushakov departed Rostov in February following a joint training session with another team, signaling a period of transition. His most recent club before this was Spartak Kostroma, a side competing in Russia’s Second League. The mutual termination of his contract occurred in January 2024, marking a clear turning point in his professional journey.
During his peak years, Glushakov was a mainstay for Spartak Moscow from 2013 to 2019. He was part of the squad that clinched the Russian Premier League title in the 2016/17 season, contributing to a memorable chapter in the club’s history.
After his stint with Spartak, Glushakov signed with Akhmat Grozny. In July 2020 he moved on to Khimki, near Moscow, where he spent a season and a half. Across his career the midfielder has demonstrated versatility and leadership on the pitch, traits that have kept him in consideration for teams seeking experience and stability in the midfield axis.
On the international stage, Glushakov has earned 57 caps for the Russian national team, representing his country with a steady presence in midfield and contributing to various campaigns over the years.
In related notes, former CSKA striker was mentioned in discussions about the best Russian footballers in a recent analysis, highlighting ongoing conversations about player legacy in Russian football and the evolving club landscape within the country.