Timur Gurtskaya Delivers Insight on Sobolev Transfer Talks Between Spartak and Zenit
Football manager Timur Gurtskaya, sharing his analysis on his YouTube channel This is football, bro, breaks down the potential move of Alexander Sobolev from Spartak Moscow to Zenit St. Petersburg and sheds light on why the striker is so frustrated. Gurtskaya frames the situation within the context of Sobolev’s own ambitions and the recent club decisions that could influence the forward’s next steps in Russian football.
Gurtskaya estimates the transfer price to be in the range of 10 to 12 million euros. His reasoning hinges on Sobolev’s explicit desire to depart from Spartak, a stance he believes is reinforced by Sobolev’s reaction to Willian Jose joining the squad. The coach argues that Sobolev viewed the incoming Spaniard as a direct challenge, a development that allegedly caused significant frustration for the forward, influencing his mood and perceived value in the transfer market.
On July 1, Spartak Moscow confirmed the acquisition of Willian Jose, a forward formerly with Real Betis, now adding a new attacking dynamic to the team. This move is a central piece in the ongoing debate over Sobolev’s future, as clubs in the Russian capital and across the league weigh how Sobolev would fit alongside the new signing and the broader tactical setup for the coming season.
Media outlets have reported ongoing discussions between Spartak and Zenit regarding Sobolev’s possible transfer. Sports journalists indicate that Spartak would consider a price around 30 million euros if the player moves, while Zenit, the reigning champions of Russia, appears reluctant to reach that figure and is believed to prefer a price closer to 20 million euros. These divergent price expectations have kept the talks in a state of flux as both sides weigh their options and assess how Sobolev’s presence could impact their championship pursuits.
Sobolev has worn Spartak’s colors since 2020, accumulating a tally that reflects his importance to the squad over multiple seasons. Across 139 appearances for the club, he has registered 58 goals and 32 assists, contributing in every competitive campaign. His current contract runs through the summer of 2026, providing a long-term framework that both sides must consider when evaluating a potential move. In the most recent Russian Championship season, Sobolev appeared in 27 matches and scored five goals, continuing to demonstrate his ability to influence high-stakes matches and break down defenses with his speed and finishing expertise.
As discussions about Sobolev’s future unfold, observers weigh the tactical and financial implications for Spartak and Zenit. The possibility of a move to Zenit would not only alter the forward’s career trajectory but could also shift the balance of power within Russian football as the league seeks to consolidate talent and pursue domestic success while continuing to compete on the European stage. For Sobolev, the decision hinges on a combination of personal ambition, club strategy, and the financial terms that would make a transfer viable for all parties involved. In the broader context, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how the negotiations evolve and what the final outcome will mean for the league’s competitive landscape.
Overall, the situation remains dynamic, with opinions split about the best path forward for Sobolev, Spartak, and Zenit. The coming weeks are expected to bring further clarity as official negotiations progress and medicals, contract details, and squad plans begin to crystallize around the potential move.