In response to the escalating conflict in Ukraine, FIFA have announced that foreign players currently plying their trade in the Russian Premier League will be free to join other clubs.
This resolution means that Russia’s top stars could depart in their droves, provided they are registered at a new side before 7 April.
Here are some of the biggest names that could be on the move…
6. Anders Dreyer (Rubin Kazan)
After impressing at FC Midtjylland Anders Dreyer earned a move to Rubin Kazan in the summer, and he has started strongly in Russia.
The Dane, who has been capped twice by his country, has been primarily fielded as a right winger but that has not stopped him helping himself to eight Premier League goals.
Previously on the books at Brighton where he failed to make an appearance, Dreyer may be ready for another shot at the Premier League.
Possible destination: Brentford
5. Mateo Cassierra (Sochi)
Sochi have surprised a few people with their performances in the Russian Premier League this season, proving last season’s fifth-placed finish was no fluke.
A big reason for their success – they are currently fourth – has been Mateo Cassierra.
The Colombian is the highest scoring foreign player in the division this season with eight, none of which have been penalties. It’s a risk but he could provide a team with some much-needed firepower.
Possible destination: Norwich
4. Victor Moses (Spartak Moscow)
Victor Moses netting for Spartak Moscow in their Europa League group stage clash with Leicester last year provided a timely reminder that he is in fact still playing football.
He has done well in that competition this season too, registering four assists to go with that strike.
Still just 31-years-old, could we be treated to a reunion with Antonio Conte at Tottenham? He can’t be any worse than Emerson Royal…
Possible destination: Tottenham
3. Sebastian Szymanski (Dynamo Moscow)
At just 22, Sebastian Szymanski is one of the most exciting players in Russia right now.
The Poland international is averaging a mightily impressive 0.84 goals + assists per 90 minutes in the Russian top flight this season, a significant improvement on his numbers last campaign.
Whoever signs him will be hoping they can keep developing the spritely number ten at this impressive rate.
Possible destination: Brighton
2. Wendel (Zenit St Petersburg)
Midfielders who possess Wendel’s all-around skillset are hard to find.
Linked with the likes of Paris Saint-Germain in the past, the Brazilian is defensively sound, calm in possession and also knows where the back of the net is – he has four goals for Zenit this season.
Questions will be raised over whether he can step up to the next level, but he could be a tempting free signing.
Possible destination: Borussia Dortmund
1. Malcom (Zenit St Petersburg)
Remember Malcom? The Brazilian was once tipped to become Europe’s next big thing when he moved to Barcelona in 2018 for a staggering €41m – only to join Zenit for a similar fee the following summer.
Since making the move Malcom has been pretty underwhelming, registering just 12 goals and 14 assists in 65 games.
There is definitely a player hiding in there though, and any club looking for a bit of unpredictability out wide could consider a move.
Source: 90min.com
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