Zenit chairman Alexander Medvedev indicated that a decision on Spartak forward Alexander Sobolev is expected to be announced the next day, August 29. His remarks were relayed by Match TV as a guiding note for fans and observers alike.
The statement from Medvedev suggested that the verdict on Sobolev would be revealed the following day, and that observers would also learn what course the club intends to take. The tone pointed to a clear timeline and a pivotal moment for the player’s future with Spartak or potentially beyond.
Sobolev has not featured in Spartak’s lineup since the initial league fixture of this season, a 0-2 defeat to Orenburg. Media outlets reported that he communicated to head coach Dejan Stankovic his desire to depart, and since then he has remained sidelined from match action. The pause in his competitive appearances has intensified speculation among supporters and analysts about his next destination and the club’s strategic direction.
Having joined Spartak in 2020, Sobolev has accumulated a record of 139 appearances for the club, with 58 goals and 32 assists to his name. His contract extends through the summer of 2026, anchoring a long-term partnership with the team. In the most recent Russian Premier League campaign, he contributed five goals across 27 appearances, reflecting his ongoing role in the squad and his potential value in future campaigns.
Prior to the match against Spartak, Zenit had already signaled uncertainty about their lineup and potential transfer considerations, underscoring a period of strategic recalibration within top Russian clubs. The dynamic between Spartak and Zenit has remained closely watched by fans and pundits, with the Sobolev situation representing a focal point in broader discussions about squad composition, player development, and the financial implications of high-profile transfers.