A former Moscow football executive suggested that Zenit St. Petersburg could benefit from adding Spartak Moscow forward Alexander Sobolev to their squad. The comment offered a view on what Sobolev might bring to Zenit and how his talents could complement an attacking lineup that has drawn mixed reviews this season.
The speaker expressed a belief that Zenit should show more cleverness and unleash a more dynamic attack. He noted that in the latest match, Zenit looked absent in attack for a second consecutive game, and he questioned whether viewing Sobolev as a strategic addition could pay off for the club. At the same time, he indicated that Sobolev could also be valuable to Spartak, given the kind of performance the forward has delivered in recent games.
A concrete development in late August involved Zenit and Spartak negotiating player potential as both clubs faced pressure to strike a deal. There were reports that large sponsors and partners were giving permission for ongoing talks, and while the process remained challenging due to disagreement over the transfer fee, there remained a sense that a successful agreement could be achieved. By the middle of the week, discussions appeared to be nearing a resolution, with talks at a stage where a transfer could move from speculation to reality.
Sobolev had been moved from Spartak’s starting lineup following a 0-2 loss against Orenburg in the opening round of the current Russian Premier League season. Sources indicated the forward had communicated a desire to depart to his head coach, a situation that led to him not appearing on the field in subsequent fixtures. The move reflected a broader context in which both parties weighed strategic options and potential frustrations amid a busy transfer period.
In terms of tenure, Sobolev has been with Spartak since 2020. Across appearances for the club, he has accumulated a record of 58 goals and 32 assists in 139 matches. His contract with Spartak extends through the summer of 2026. In the most recent completed Russian Championship season, Sobolev took part in 27 matches and contributed five goals, a statistic that underscores his continued role in the squad and the potential for a transfer to reshape two heavyweight teams in the league.
Reports also touched on the possibility of Sobolev leaving Spartak prior to the expiry of his current contract, a scenario that would shift the balance of power among the league’s top teams and potentially alter their tactical approaches for the forthcoming season. The discussions surrounding Sobolev emphasized the ongoing importance of evaluating player fit, form, and the timing of moves within a crowded transfer market, where the best destination hinges on a mix of personal aspirations, team needs, and financial considerations.