Valery Shmarov, a former Spartak player, weighed in on whether Quincy Promes, the Dutch forward playing for Spartak Moscow, should pursue Russian citizenship. He spoke about the idea on RB Sports, offering a candid assessment of the potential move.
Shmarov suggested that Spartak Moscow could benefit from Promes considering Russian citizenship. If Promes expresses genuine interest in naturalizing, the former defender believes it would be reasonable for the club to support the process, framing it as a practical step with long term value for the squad and the league.
News around citizenship decisions intensified when it emerged that Brazilian players Malcolm and Claudinho from Zenit Saint Petersburg have been granted Russian citizenship. The timing of these naturalizations has sparked conversations about how the composition of Russia’s top flight may shift in the near future.
In the ongoing Russian Premier League season, Malcolm has appeared in 16 matches and made a notable impact with 11 goals and 5 assists, underscoring his immediate contribution to Zenit. Claudinho, meanwhile, has recorded 2 goals and 4 assists across 11 appearances, contributing as a dynamic presence in the offensive part of the field. The integration of these players into the Russian system is seen as a demonstration of how naturalized players can adapt quickly and influence league dynamics.
Zenit players have themselves begun to explore the possibilities of Russian citizenship, signaling a broader trend within the club about long term plans and loyalty to the national team setup. The movement toward naturalization is increasingly viewed through the lens of strategic continuity for Russian football rather than a short term arrangement.
Within the national team framework, defender Mario Fernandes is frequently cited as a leading example of a naturalized player who has become a core member. Fernandes earned 33 caps for Russia and has helped anchor the squad with his experience and versatility, illustrating how naturalized players can solidify a national team’s backbone over time.
Earlier reports indicated that Malcolm and Claudinho would continue to be perceived as legionnaires in the Russian Premier League, a status that reflects their ongoing contributions despite the ongoing dialogue about citizenship. The broader discussion remains focused on how naturalized talent is integrated into Russian football, both at the club level and within the national team structure, and how these players can influence style of play, leadership, and depth across competitions.