And if Edouard Spertsyan’s performances over the last year or two are any indication, it could be a steal of a cost.
While scarcely a household name on Tyneside or anywhere else in England, Spertsyan’s five goals and three assists in 11 Russian Premier League outings this season only tells half the story of his creative abilities.
Newcastle United scouted this rough diamond of a playmaker a few months ago, according to Russia-based website MetaRatings, with Spertsyan driving the show as Armenia crushed Wales in a European Championship qualifier.
While Newcastle did not make an offer over the summer, the 23-year-old’s growing list of admirers would have taken note as the Krasnodar talisman opens up about his desire to try something new.
“Yes, I’d like to play in Europe soon.” I’ll have to struggle and work for it. “I don’t want to leave here by running or by helicopter!” Spertsyan said, according to Tuttomercatoweb.
“I enjoy being here. But I want to go to Europe while I still have the possibility because I don’t know what will happen there. I’m confident, and I believe I can attain even higher ambitions.”
When asked how much it would take to get him out of Krasnodar, Spertsyan mused, “About 15 million euros.” At least, that’s what (the club president) believes.”
Newcastle failed to sign an attacking midfielder this summer, despite interest from the likes of Gabri Veiga, Dominik Szoboszlai, and James Maddison. Spertsyan is thus someone to keep an eye on.
While he is far from completed, Newcastle’s transfer strategy under Saudi Arabian ownership has centered on ‘project’ recruits who have merely scratched the surface of their potential.
“(Russian clubs) do not compete in European leagues.” And who follows our league? If this interest is genuine, such offers cannot be denied,” argues Roman Pavlyuchenko, a former Russia and Tottenham Hotspur striker (MetaRatings).
“I would recommend that Edward travel to Newcastle.” He seemed to be willing to play. That is something I would do.”
According to TMW, Juventus, Ajax, and Fiorentina are also interested.
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