Artem Dzyuba, now 36, remains a name many Russian clubs watch as a source of experience and goal quality. The Moscow Spartak graduate has spent his career playing at the highest level, and his latest move to Akron in Tolyatti has reignited talk about a possible return to Spartak for a player with a storied national team résumé. The signing was confirmed on the closing day of the summer transfer window, a development that quickly drew commentary from fans and pundits alike.
Dzyuba’s career in the capital began with Spartak, where he matured into a reliable frontman known for physical presence and finishing. After moving on, he spent seasons with Lokomotiv Moscow, contributing in 26 appearances across all competitions in the 2023/24 season with four goals and four assists. Lokomotiv finished fourth in the Russian Premier League that year with 53 points, a respectable but unchampioned tally.
Akron, a rookie in the Russian Premier League, has started the campaign with eight points from eight rounds, placing them 11th after the early phase. The club announced Dzyuba’s arrival on the final day of the summer window, and he made his debut in the eighth round against Khimki, helping set up a comfortable 3-0 victory with an assist that underscored his instinct for a decisive contribution in key moments.
An opinion published on the Legal betting portal included a remark from Ari, a former Moscow forward and Russia national team veteran. He described Dzyuba as an excellent forward whose strength and quality stand out, noting their shared Spartak days and praising the athlete’s ongoing form. The assessment suggested that Artem Dzyuba could still be useful for Spartak if he stays fit and adapts to the team’s style.
Goldman, who previously managed Dzyuba, recommended that the striker regain match rhythm as soon as possible. The guidance reflects the reality that returning to peak levels often requires consistent game time, especially for a player entering a new league phase and a new tactical environment.
From a broader perspective, Dzyuba’s profile fits a traditional center forward mold. He thrives on hold-up play, aerial duels, and the ability to link play with teammates in crowded areas. If Spartak considers a late-season addition or a comeback scenario, a player with domestic league experience and international exposure could address depth concerns and offer leadership on and off the pitch. However, age and recent competition level will be factors teams monitor, along with the evolving tactical plans at Spartak.
Observers point out that Akron’s mid-table position offers a different kind of testing ground for Dzyuba, who is accustomed to playing under pressure in the Russian top flight. A successful spell in Tolyatti could rekindle interest in a return to a club with higher ambitions, while for Spartak the question remains whether a move would align with their current plan and salary structure. The narrative around Dzyuba this season is less about a single match and more about a longer arc of form, fitness, and fit within a team system.
Ultimately the situation remains unresolved. The veteran forward continues to contribute when called upon for Akron, and his enduring fitness keeps him in professional contention. Whether Spartak or another club ends up inviting him back will depend on his performance in the coming months, the strategic priorities of the Moscow side, and the evolving dynamics of the Russian Premier League.