Former midfielder Vladimir Bystrov, who represented the Russian national team, weighed in on Zelimkhan Bakaev’s move from Spartak Moscow to Zenit Saint Petersburg. He urged the young talent to step into the spotlight on the field and let his performances speak for themselves.
“Bakaev did not have enough chance to express his full potential yet. My advice is simple: show yourself in every match, find the back of the net, and contribute to Zenit’s success,” said Bystrov in a recent appearance on Pair TV. His comments underscore the belief that a player’s true value is measured by consistent on-pitch impact rather than by reputation alone.
Bystrov, a product of the Spartak academy who later moved to Zenit via a four-year stint in Moscow, has long been a focal point of fan discussion. The shift from Spartak to Zenit has sparked strong responses from supporters on both sides, highlighting how transfer choices can become symbolic in the eyes of clubs’ communities.
Spartak’s contract with Zelimkhan Bakaev expired at the end of the season, and negotiations for a renewal did not come to fruition. In the marketplace of football talent, Bakaev is valued at around €5 million according to Transfermarkt. In June, he completed the transfer to Zenit and was assigned the number seven shirt, a number previously worn by the Iranian striker Serdar Azmoun. The move marks a new chapter for a player whose career has already attracted considerable attention from fans and scouts alike.
Last season, Bakaev delivered three goals and seven assists across 35 appearances in all competitions for Spartak, contributing to the team’s campaigns with his pace, technique, and vision. The 25-year-old midfielder has been viewed as one of the bright prospects in Russian football, and his development at Zenit is watched closely by coaches, analysts, and supporters who remember his early debut with the national team in 2019. His time in Moscow has left a legacy of nearly 80 appearances in Spartak colors, shaped by a blend of youthfulness, skill, and a willingness to take on challenging roles on the field.
Opinions about Bakaev’s transfer have varied widely among pundits and fans. While some recall the optimism of his earlier emergence, others point to the pressure of moving to a club with Zenit’s expectations and the need to adapt quickly to a higher level of competition. Analysts emphasize that the transition demands tactical flexibility, consistency in performance, and the ability to integrate seamlessly into a new squad dynamic. Mentors and former teammates have stressed the importance of maintaining confidence and focus, especially during the early phases of adaptation to a different training culture and coaching philosophy.
Giorgio d’Urbano, who has commented on Bakaev’s career trajectory, indicated that there is no criminal element in the transfer and that the move should be evaluated purely on sporting grounds. His perspective aligns with a broader view among observers who advocate for a calm, evidence-based assessment of a player’s value and potential contribution to his new club. The consensus among many following the league is that Bakaev’s talent remains evident, and his future success will largely depend on how well he translates previous experiences into immediate impact in Zenit’s system.