If one of his former coaches are to be believed, Leeds United could land themselves ‘one of the best midfielders in Europe’ this summer.
For a fee in the region of £10 million, no less.
Now, one-time Krasnodar coach Nikola Elich may have been getting ahead of himself when he claimed, back in 2024, that Edouard Spertsyan belonged amongst Europe’s elite midfielders.
The highly-rated Krasnodar captain is not quite there yet, though. But maybe he will be some day, and some day soon.
Leeds United have already held talks with Eduard Spertsyan’s representatives, according to reports. And with the Russian-born Armenia international admitting that he feels ready to make the next step in his career, it appears Spertsyan will take Andrei Kanchelskis’ advice and make a long-mooted move to one of Europe’s top-five leagues in the coming months.
Leeds United target Eduard Spertsyan names his footballing idols
Spertsyan opened the door to Leeds last week too, albeit while also confirming interest from the likes of Juventus, Paris Saint-Germain and Ajax.
The talented 24-year-old would relish the chance to make his name on the Premier League stage, pointing out that Daniel Farke’s Leeds United are likely to be a top-flight team come 2024/25 provided they can avoid a repeat of last season’s springtime collapse.
But what could the Elland Road faithful expect from a midfielder who, as recently as 2022/23, scored and assisted 14 goals apiece in Krasnodar colours?
The players Spertsyan labels as his idols says a lot about the type of footballer he is himself. The two-time Russian Premier League Midfielder of the Year possesses the creative talents of an Andres Iniesta or a Florian Wirtz, coupled with the box-crashing capacities of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
“I followed Iniesta a lot,” Spertsyan tells Sport 24 of the Barcelona icon. “He’s my favourite player. And that Barcelona where Iniesta, Xavi and [Sergio] Busquets played, that’s what I followed the most.
“Now, there is Bellingham, Wirtz… a lot of talent.”
Spertsyan speaks English and that should help him at Elland Road
A dead-ball specialist with a fierce long-range strike in his locker, Spertsyan would bring to Leeds physicality, poise and a genuine goal threat.
Daniel Farke praised Brenden Aaronson for working ‘miracles’ in his redemption season in West Yorkshire, but the German has also spoken openly about his desire for another number ten.
Leeds are interested in Alvyn Sanches of Lausanne Sport too. They reportedly admire the Swiss schemer’s ability to play all across the frontline. Any hopes Leeds have of signing Emi Buendia, meanwhile, depend on what decision the reigning Bundesliga champions make come the summer.
Bayer Leverkusen can sign Aston Villa loanee Buendia permanently for around £16 million.
Spertsyan, meanwhile, could find adapting to life in England a little easier than others arriving from the furthest reaches of the continent.
He admits that, in a multi-cultural dressing room containing footballers from Brazil, Colombia, Cape Verde and Angola, English is the common tongue.
“It depends on my mood. Sometimes I can start speaking Russian. However, [my teammates] don’t understand me. I tell them; ‘You have to learn’,” Spertsyan explains. “But in general, [I speak in] English.
“And I’ve often heard Spanish spoken in the team for four years. That’s why I know some things in Spanish and speak it, too.”
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