Sochi midfielder Artur Yusupov questions club transfers as RPL off-season ends
The Russian Premier League season has sparked strong comments from Sochi midfielder Artur Yusupov about the club’s strategy in the transfer window. Yusupov voiced concern that the roster is not strengthening as the off-season winds down, arguing that without new signings the team risks repeating a story of narrow margins and limited depth from the previous term. He pointed to a situation where players are departing while the squad is not replenished, leaving the bench thin and several positions unsettled for the season ahead.
According to Yusupov, the club’s current acquisitions do not match the level needed to sustain or build on last season’s achievements. He noted that only one new face, Sarveli, has joined the squad, while a wave of younger players remains in development. The sense he conveyed was clear: without additional reinforcements the team could struggle to maintain competitiveness, especially in a demanding league schedule. The coach and leadership are under scrutiny from players and fans who want to see decisive moves that signal ambition for ongoing success.
Sochi’s start to the campaign has seen them secure five rounds, ending with a record that reflects a robust run yet not without its detriments. After those initial five rounds, the team sits in fifth place with nine points, having secured three victories and two losses. One notable defeat was a 0-3 home setback against Spartak, a result that underscored the gaps the team still faces in balancing attack and defense at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Sochi is set to face Rostov on the road in the sixth round. The match is scheduled for August 20 and is slated to begin at 20:00 local time. This upcoming test will be an important gauge of how the squad responds to the current squad-building situation and whether the management’s choices, or lack thereof, influence the tactical approach and results in a challenging away fixture.
In other club news, former Sochi coach Vadim Garanin recently highlighted a lingering question surrounding the club’s transfer policy. He drew attention to the club’s decision not to release Ecuadorian midfielder Christian Noboa, even as CSKA and Zenit reportedly made special transfer offers. The discussion points to strategic debates within the club about retaining experienced players versus pursuing market opportunities. Noboa’s status remains a point of speculation among supporters who wonder how the club balances experience with the ongoing process of integrating younger prospects into the first team.