Moscow Spartak is reportedly nearing a deal to secure Manfred Ugalde, a 21-year-old forward who represents Costa Rica at the international level, with the transfer linked to his time at Twente. This development has been cited by journalist Ivan Karpov in a recent write-up circulating in Telegram circles.
Ugalde moved to the Dutch side from Lommel in Belgium during the summer of 2023, with Transfermarkt valuing the transfer at around 4 million euros at the time. The young striker has spent the 2023-2024 campaign contributing across the forward line for Twente, appearing in 25 competitive matches and delivering nine goals alongside seven assists, underscoring his impact in the Eredivisie and related competitions.
With six appearances for the Costa Rican national team to date, Ugalde has already opened his goal tally at the international level, finding the back of the net once in those outings. His ability to stretch defenses and create chances could align well with Spartak’s tactical plans should the move proceed, adding a fresh offensive option to the squad.
Returning from a winter break, Spartak assembled again on January 20 to begin preparations for the second half of the season. The club has scheduled three training camps, with sessions slated to take place in Dubai. As part of the preseason program, Spartak is set to face a trio of opponents that includes local clubs Al-Jazira and Shabab Al-Ahli, along with Rostov from Russia and the Kazakh side Kairat, giving the team opportunities to fine-tune strategies ahead of the resumption of league play.
In league terms, Spartak completed the first portion of the Russian Premier League campaign with an 18-week stretch that saw the club accumulate 30 points and finish in fifth place. The second half of the season is due to start in March, and the team will be aiming to build on that position with a series of impactful performances. In the most recent round of action, Spartak secured a convincing result against Zenit St. Petersburg, a victory that boosted confidence as the team prepared to travel for their next fixture away from home in the Saint Petersburg region.
Spartak’s leadership has emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum during the second phase, understanding that a blend of disciplined defense and sharp attacking play will be essential. The prospective addition of Ugalde is framed as part of a broader strategy to refresh the forward options and inject pace and versatility into the attacking unit. The club, known for its resilient style and strong history in Russian football, is said to be pursuing multiple avenues to strengthen the squad for a demanding schedule ahead.
For fans and observers, the potential signing signals a continuation of Spartak’s tradition of integrating young talent with international experience. Ugalde’s profile — characterized by agility, goal-scoring instinct, and the ability to contribute with assists — could complement existing attackers and provide a新的 offensive dimension during the late stages of the season. The club remains focused on competitive readiness and strategic acquisitions that can translate into tangible results on the pitch.
As negotiations progress, supporters will be watchful for official confirmations and details regarding contract length, player responsibilities, and the timing of any potential debut. The club’s leadership has repeatedly stressed the importance of smart recruitment that aligns with long-term objectives, and Ugalde’s international experience offers a potential path to enhancing the squad’s capabilities in both domestic league play and continental competitions. The coming weeks are expected to reveal whether this move reaches completion and how the player will fit into the tactical blueprint under the current coaching setup.