Famous Russian coach Valery Nepomnya acknowledged the possibility that Spartak could part ways with striker Manfred Ugalde, noting that there may be any number of scenarios. His comments were reported by Vprognoze.ru, a publication known for tracking Moscow clubs and player markets. The coach stressed that a sale or a renewal would hinge on a mix of strategic planning and personal choices by everyone involved, leaving the door open to several outcomes.
It is difficult to give a definitive answer because decisions depend on preferences shared by the player and his agent, who chart their own paths. The path could take any turn. The football world has seen moves that shift the balance between clubs, with familiar stars like Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappe moving between teams in ways that keep fans guessing and the market buzzing, Nepomnya implied by drawing on those well-known examples.
Around the latter part of March, media outlets suggested Spartak was prepared to demand a price of at least 25 million euros for the forward, signaling strong interest and rising valuation in the market as negotiations progress.
The 22-year-old joined Spartak in January 2024. Since the start of the Russian Premier League season, Ugalde has tallied 16 goals and two assists, positioning him among the league top scorers and contributing in the Russian Cup as well. In late 2023, he earned recognition as one of the league’s standout forwards, a nod to his consistent form and impact within the squad.
His contract with the club runs through the summer of 2028. Market listings on Transfermarkt place his value at around 15 million euros, underscoring his growing stature in the market and his potential appeal to other clubs seeking a dynamic attacking player.
Spartak and Zenit sit level on points in the standings. After the 21st round, Krasnodar held the lead of the national championship, illustrating a competitive campaign and the high stakes surrounding every match. Earlier reporting noted Ugalde’s adaptation to life in Russia, a process that has included adjusting to a new league environment and the pressures that come with top-tier football in the country.