In an interview with RB Sports, Moscow Spartak’s General Manager Oleg Malyshev discussed the club’s off-season plans, including the possibility of striker Alexander Sobolev leaving the team. He noted that Sobolev’s contract contains a defined compensation clause, a detail that could automatically trigger negotiations about a potential departure if a buyer meets the price.
Malyshev emphasized that if another club agrees to pay the stipulated sum, Spartak would have little room to block such a move. He added that Sobolev remains the club’s leading player at present and is central to Spartak’s plans for the near term.
Spartak finished fifth in the previous season. On April 14, 2024, the club parted ways with head coach Guillermo Abascal. After the season resumed, the team managed just one win across five Russian Premier League matches under his guidance, prompting the appointment of Vladimir Sliskovic as acting head coach during the transition period.
Meanwhile, the club wasted little time securing a new long-term project, publicly announcing the signing of Serbian coach Dejan Stankovic, a former head coach of Crvena Zvezda and Ferencváros. His appointment signals Spartak’s intent to restructure and pursue a more ambitious campaign in the upcoming cycle.
The season’s broader arc raised questions about Spartak’s mission statements and the strategic direction of the squad. Observers noted that the shift in leadership coincided with a reassessment of roster priorities, with Sobolev continuing to be a focal point in discussions about the team’s offensive core. The club’s leadership made clear that any transfer discussions would hinge on market interest and the financial terms attached to Sobolev’s contract, underscoring the delicate balance between maintaining competitive performance and funding a potential rebuild.
As the new coaching regime took shape, analysts examined how Stankovic’s experience could influence tactical approaches, player development, and recruitment. His track record with elite clubs suggested a focus on discipline, dynamic attacking play, and a clear strategic plan, which Spartak hopes will translate into better results in the league and cups. The immediate question for fans remains whether Sobolev will stay to anchor the attack or explore opportunities elsewhere as the club navigates this transitional period.
In summary, Spartak’s current trajectory involves careful negotiation around Sobolev’s contractual terms, a shift in the coaching staff, and a renewed commitment to competing at a high level under Dejan Stankovic. The coming weeks are expected to reveal more about the club’s transfer strategy, the persistence of Sobolev as a central figure, and the overall effectiveness of the new leadership in charting a course toward stronger performances in the Russian Premier League.