Red Star’s Russian midfielder Zvezda Yegor Prutsev is pursuing Serbian citizenship, a development reported by Sport24 through the words of the player’s father. The move is being considered as a strategic step to broaden his professional opportunities within European football, given the restrictions that limit the number of foreign players in the Serbian championship. While there is no formal passport issued yet, the door is being kept open for Prutsev to pursue Serbian citizenship, a decision that would ease his eligibility to compete without occupying a non-EU designation on the roster.
The footballer has publicly indicated that he would welcome the possibility of obtaining Serbian citizenship in order to participate unrestricted in the Serbian league, a league known for its strict rules regarding foreign players. The exact timing and process remain unclear, and there has been no official invitation from the Russian national team for him to join their pool, nor any definitive indication that such an invitation would be forthcoming. The discussions thus far are centered on eligibility and career prospects rather than immediate national team considerations. (Sport24)
Prutsev arrived at Red Star last summer after previously lining up for Neftekhimik, Tekstilshchik, and Sochi, with reports suggesting that Basel of Switzerland has shown interest in his services. The prospect of a move to Basel would represent another significant chapter in his career, given Basel’s history in European competition and its reputation for developing players who transition to larger leagues. The potential citizenship route could influence how such clubs weigh the practicality of a transfer and the player’s long-term status within the Serbian championship. (Sport24)
Red Star Belgrade clinched the Serbian championship again this season, reaffirming its status as the country’s most decorated club. The club’s continued success has elevated the profile of its players on the international stage and has reinforced the attractiveness of the Serbian league as a proving ground for talent aiming to compete in broader European circuits. This context helps explain why Prutsev and his representatives are weighing citizenship options as part of a longer-term strategy to maximize career longevity and exposure. (Sport24)
Meanwhile, Yegor’s elder brother is plying his trade with Spartak Moscow, having moved to the Russian club last winter. Danil Prutsev has appeared in a substantial number of matches for Spartak this season, contributing to their campaign in the Russian Premier League and adding a familial layer to the Prutsev football narrative. The sibling dynamic adds a layer of interest for scouts and fans watching both Russian and Serbian competitions, highlighting how family connections can influence player decisions and career trajectories within top-tier leagues. (Sport24)
In another development, Olakunle Olusegun, who represents Krasnodar, indicated that the player is unlikely to remain in Russia for the upcoming season. This kind of public statement from a player’s representative underscores the broader trend of players seeking opportunities outside Russia, whether through moving to neighboring European leagues or pursuing citizenship options that can simplify transfer logistics and eligibility. The evolving market for players with international ambitions reflects shifting dynamics in elite football as clubs abroad weigh practical considerations against talent and potential. (Krasnodar press statements via Sport24)