Former Zenit and CSKA player Dmitry Khomoukha believes CSKA Moscow should be the club most focused on strengthening its squad among Russia’s top teams. He notes that the current transfer activity from rivals is rapid and ambitious, with Zenit and Krasnodar actively recruiting and building depth. In Khomoukha’s view, CSKA has not kept pace and could face more departures as players who have spent time on the fringes seek opportunities elsewhere. He acknowledged ongoing rumors and described the army club as facing a challenging period while trying to stabilize its roster.
During the winter window, CSKA added forward Tamerlan Musaev from Baltika to bolster attacking options. The club also announced the signing of Zenit defender Danil Krugov, though the move was structured so that Krugov would only join in the summer after his contract with Zenit expires. This sequence keeps CSKA in the mix while allowing strategic planning ahead of the next phase of the season.
In the standings, Krasnodar has led the Russian Premier League (RPL) after 18 rounds with 38 points, a solid cushion at the top. Zenit sits two points behind in second place, while Dinamo Moscow trails with 32 points in third. CSKA and Rubin Kazan are tied on seven points behind the leaders, each side on 28 points, highlighting the competitive balance and the pressure on traditional powers to reinforce in the current market.
The broader context around CSKA’s campaign suggests a winter transfer window focused on shoring up both depth and quality to improve consistency. The club is actively analyzing options to address short-term needs while maintaining longer-term planning, aiming to avoid a dip in form during the second half of the season. The ongoing discussions and reported moves reflect a club in a period of recalibration, seeking ways to regain momentum and position within the upper tier of the league, with supporters watching closely how each decision translates on the pitch. The sequence of events is being watched by rivals and analysts, who assess the potential impact on CSKA’s dynamic in the standings and future fixtures. [Source: Khomoukha interview and club announcements].