Former Russian footballer Denis Glushakov has joined Urartu, the Armenian press service announced, signaling a new chapter in the midfielder’s lengthy career. The statement conveyed a warm welcome and best wishes for his continued success with the team, underscoring Urartu’s anticipation of what he can bring to their squad. This move marks a notable transition for Glushakov, stepping from his recent Russian football experiences into the Armenian league system, where Urartu competes at a high level and aims for strong finishes in the national championship.
Glushakov’s most recent club was Spartak Kostroma, a side that competes in the Russian Second League. The contract with Kostroma was amicably terminated in January 2024, allowing the midfielder to explore new opportunities. Throughout his career, Glushakov has been known for his versatility in the center of the park, contributing both defensively and in build-up play, traits that Urartu will likely value as they seek balance and control in midfield battles across the league.
Glushakov’s association with Spartak Moscow stands out as a defining period. He wore the red-and-white shirt from 2013 to 2019, contributing to the club during a successful era and earning a Russian Premier League title in the 2016/17 campaign. That championship season solidified his place in the club’s recent history and showcased his ability to compete at the highest level of Russian football. His development at Spartak Moscow helped shape his tactical understanding and technical proficiency, experience he now brings to Urartu.
Following his time with Spartak Moscow, Glushakov signed with Akhmat Grozny, continuing to ply his trade in Russia’s top divisions. In July 2020, he moved to Khimki, a club based near Moscow, where he spent a season and a half refining his role in a different team environment and contributing with appearances and steady performances in the midfield. Across his career, Glushakov has accumulated a substantial international resume, having earned 57 appearances for the Russian national team, a marker of his credibility on the international stage and his value as a seasoned pro who can mentor younger players in a new league and country.
Urartu, the club Glushakov has joined, sits in the upper-middle area of the Armenian championship standings, currently occupying fourth place with 35 points. The table is led by Pyunik with 48 points, reflecting a competitive title race and a demanding schedule. Urartu’s acquisition of a player with Glushakov’s pedigree signals their intent to strengthen the squad’s core, bring experience to the midfield, and push for higher standings as the season unfolds. The Armenian league has a growing profile, with clubs like Urartu and Pyunik illustrating the depth and ambition present in Armenian football today, and Glushakov’s arrival adds an additional layer of expertise to the league’s midfield battles.
There had been prior statements from Glushakov expressing openness to continuing his career abroad. The move to Urartu now provides him with a fresh stage to demonstrate his enduring capabilities, adapt to a new league style, and contribute to the club’s ambitions on both domestic and regional levels. The transition reflects a broader trend of seasoned players seeking meaningful roles outside their traditional leagues, embracing challenges that allow them to impart leadership, sharpen tactical understanding, and extend their playing years in diverse competitive environments. As Glushakov settles into his new role at Urartu, observers will be watching how his experience translates into on-field leadership, how he connects with teammates, and how his presence impacts Urartu’s tempo, defensive solidity, and offensive transitions in the Armenian Premier League. (Source: Urartu press service)