Fakel’s sports director Kirill Kotov spoke about the ongoing steps in the talks to loan Pavel Meleshin from Spartak, outlining that both clubs are actively exploring the options, timelines, and the potential impact on Meleshin’s development. The update was shared as part of discussions covered by Sports Express, highlighting a process that remains fluid and focused on mutual benefit for the player and the clubs involved.
“We are interested in Meleshin. Let’s see how negotiations will progress”, Kotov remarked, emphasizing that the first conversations laid a foundation for a possible move, with both sides weighing technical fit, playing time prospects, and the player’s career trajectory in the near term. The comments underscored Fakel’s intent while leaving room for further decisions as the situation evolves.
At present, Fakel sits in 11th place in the Russian Championship standings. The team’s best token of form comes from Evgeniy Markov, who has delivered six goals to date, serving as a focal point in Fakel’s attacking plan and providing a benchmark for the squad’s offensive aspirations this season.
Pavel Meleshin is a product of Spartak’s youth system, having joined the club in 2010. He made his senior breakthrough with Spartak in 2022, stepping into the main squad and opening his goal-scoring account in the Russian Championship during the 14th round match against Khimki on October 23, 2022. His development path reflects the club’s philosophy of nurturing homegrown talent and slowly integrating players into top-tier competition, where a combination of experience and potential shapes each player’s growth curve.
During the current campaign, Meleshin has appeared in three Russian Premier League matches but has not yet found the back of the net in league play. The limited minutes may reflect competition for forward spots, tactical rotations, and the coaching staff’s assessment of how his skill set translates to the demands of high-level fixtures, rather than a definitive assessment of his abilities.
Spartak Moscow, having collected 30 points after 18 rounds, sits in fifth place in the standings. Meanwhile, Krasnodar travels into the winter break as the league’s leaders with 38 points. In round 18, Vladimir Ivich’s squad earned a 1–0 victory over CSKA, signaling a strong push for the title race as the campaign resumes. Zenit holds the second position, two points behind the leader, while Dinamo Moscow sits third with 32 points, shaping a tight, competitive top tier that keeps every remaining match meaningful for the clubs involved.
Earlier coverage noted questions about Lesovoy’s citizenship and the reasons behind that choice, as discussed by a former Dynamo player. This context reflects how player eligibility and personal decisions can echo through transfer negotiations and squad planning, influencing the broader conversation around player availability and movement in the league.