Spartak Moscow Eyes an International Sporting Director to Elevate Transfer Strategy
Spartak Moscow is pursuing an international sporting director to lead the club’s transfer strategy and squad development, with a goal to transition away from the traditional role once held by Paul Ashworth. The discussions include potential candidates such as Roberto Olabe of Real Sociedad and Luis Campos, well known for his work at Paris Saint-Germain. This strategic move signals Spartak’s intent to strengthen its top-tier leadership to navigate European competition and the evolving landscape of Russian football.
While the future of Ashworth remains uncertain, the prevailing expectation is that his responsibilities may shift away from classic sporting director duties. The proposed restructuring points to a broader reorganization of Spartak’s football operations, aiming to align with modern club practices where recruitment, player development pathways, and data-driven decisions drive long-term success.
The English executive joined Spartak Moscow in September 2022, bringing experience from roles at Astana and Brighton. His career also includes time in Latvia, where personal connections were formed. His arrival coincided with a period of consolidation and transition for Spartak, as the club sought to balance competitive goals with financial and infrastructural considerations. The team’s recent league form placed it in a mid-table position in the Russian Premier League, reflecting a phase of adjustment as it pursued progress across multiple fronts, including talent acquisition and development pipelines.
In the 14 weeks covered, Spartak earned 21 points, sharing sixth place with Lokomotiv. The latest league clash between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw. A notable moment occurred when Spartak was reduced to ten men just before halftime, increasing the challenge for the remainder of the match. Looking ahead, coach Guillermo Abascal’s squad is preparing to face Rostov in the upcoming fixtures, a test of the club’s tactical resilience and squad depth as it aims to move up the standings and regain momentum.
Historically, Spartak’s coaching landscape has featured a blend of external appointments and internally promoted figures. The club has long been associated with strong leadership in football operations, and current dynamics suggest a continued focus on strategic hires that can boost performance, stability, and growth both domestically and in European competition. As the season unfolds, observers will monitor how management reshapes its personnel and whether the incoming sporting director will shape long-term recruitment philosophies and player development pathways. The broader narrative centers on translating on-pitch improvements into sustained league success and competitiveness on the European stage.