Former Russia forward Dmitry Bulykin assesses Adolfo Gaich’s CSKA exit and implications for the squad
The retirement of Gaich from CSKA has drawn attention from analysts and former players alike. Dmitry Bulykin, who once wore the national team jersey, shared his view on how the club might cope with the striker’s departure. He pointed out that there are other capable players in the army club’s ranks who can step up and fill the gap, suggesting that Gaich’s leaving may not drastically dent the team. Yet he also emphasized caution for Russian Premier League clubs amid a landscape where foreign players could leverage FIFA transfer options to leave Russia at short notice.
“When strong players depart, they leave for substantial sums and the team must adapt quickly. I believe Gaich’s exit won’t derail CSKA because there are players ready to prove themselves. At the same time, any legionnaire could choose to move clubs using available transfer routes, so clubs must stay vigilant and plan accordingly”, Bulykin told socialbites.ca.
Gaich joined CSKA in 2020 and has since logged 22 appearances, scoring one goal. He spent a significant portion of his time with CSKA on loan, including periods with Italian side Benevento and Spanish club Huesca, before returning to CSKA as an official player. These loan spells helped him gain experience across European football and shaped his development trajectory while under CSKA’s umbrella.
Earlier talk from Bulykin suggested that Zenit’s leadership would meet with striker Malcolm should he express dissatisfaction with a transfer to Paris Saint-Germain not materializing. The discussions, he noted, reflect the ongoing balancing act clubs face between ambitions, financial considerations, and squad stability in a crowded Russian and European market.
Analysts observe that CSKA’s depth could be tested by Gaich’s departure if no reinforcements arrive. The club may rely on emerging forwards and versatile attackers who can adapt to different tactical setups. Moreover, the dynamic market for foreign players in Russia adds a layer of unpredictability to squad planning. Clubs are encouraged to assess internal capabilities, monitor player development, and maintain strategic flexibility to respond to mid-season transfer movements.
The broader context shows a football environment where talent movement is swift and sponsorship landscapes continually shift. For CSKA, the question remains how quickly the club can integrate younger players into key roles, how effectively they can sustain performance in domestic competitions, and how foreign player options influence long-term planning. The conversation around Gaich’s exit thus serves as a lens on squad resilience, recruitment strategy, and the evolving dynamics of international football in Russia.