Alexander Mostovoy, once a pivotal figure for the Russian national team in midfield, spoke on RB Sports about Spartak Moscow’s latest signing, Manfred Ugalde. He warned that the club’s expenditure may have exceeded prudent limits, suggesting the deal could strain Spartak’s finances even before the new season kicks off.
Perhaps Ugalde will add value for Spartak, Mostovoy conceded, but he also stressed a familiar pattern. In recent years, players with big price tags have sometimes found themselves stuck on the bench, and the same fate has shown up in Dutch football as well. While no one doubts Ugalde’s talent, the veteran analyst implied that the financial optics of the transfer demand careful scrutiny. He added that overpayment is a possibility, but he also noted the reality of club decision making in the market and the question of whether the move aligns with Spartak’s broader strategy for competing at the top of European football.
Spartak Moscow finalized a 4.5-year contract with Ugalde, who will wear the number nine shirt. The transfer package is reported at €13 million with an additional €2 million in potential bonuses, a figure that reflects the club’s intent to inject pace, versatility, and goal-scoring threat into their attacking options.
Ugalde arrives after a productive spell at Twente, where he appeared in 25 matches across all competitions this season, contributing nine goals and seven assists. His international experience includes six caps for the Costa Rican national team, with one goal to his name, underscoring his ability to influence both club and country stages. This blend of club-proven form and international exposure positions him as a clear addition to Spartak’s forward line, as the team looks to assert itself more consistently in European competition.
So far this season, Spartak Moscow has played 18 rounds in the Russian Premier League, sitting in fifth place with a total of 30 points. The signing of Ugalde signals a new chapter for a squad that has repeatedly aimed high, seeking to bolster depth and quality across the frontline. The move mirrors Spartak’s ongoing ambition to align with the upper tier of club football in Europe, where competing for titles and advancing in continental tournaments remains a central objective. The club’s leadership has emphasized a long-term plan that blends established competence with young, dynamic talent in hopes of sustaining progress over multiple seasons.
For Ugalde, this transfer represents another step in a European career that has now brought him to one of Russia’s most storied clubs. It also underscores Spartak’s willingness to pursue growth through strategic acquisitions, balancing immediate impact with potential for future development. Observers note that the deal could be viewed as a calculated risk in the current market, where transfer fees and wage structures are scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. Still, the club’s direction remains focused on competing at the highest level of club football, both domestically and in Europe, with Ugalde’s arrival as a tangible signal of that intent.