Eldor Shomurodov recommended to Spartak: will the transfer happen?

Eldor Shomurodov's brilliant goal at the 2026 World Cup and prolific season in the Turkish Süper Lig have once again brought him to the center of transfer discussions. This time, the name of the Uzbekistan national team captain is being linked with Moscow club Spartak.

Former Russian footballer Vladimir Obukhov recommended that the "red-whites" consider Shomurodov as a candidate. However, this is not yet an official negotiation or club offer — it is the expert's opinion and a potential transfer scenario.

What did Obukhov say?

According to the RB Sport interview you provided, Vladimir Obukhov pointed to Shomurodov's extensive experience abroad and his good knowledge of the Russian championship as his main advantages.

"Signing Eldor Shomurodov would be a very correct decision for Spartak. He has gained great experience abroad, is a master of his craft, and a top-level player. Eldor also knows our championship well. Without a doubt, he could seriously help Spartak," Obukhov said.

This statement could lead to interpretations on social media that "Shomurodov is moving to Spartak." However, the expert's recommendation does not mean the club has been in contact with the player.

So far, Spartak, Istanbul Başakşehir, or Shomurodov's representatives have not made official statements regarding a potential transfer.

Why is Shomurodov's name being mentioned again?

The forward had one of the most prolific seasons of his career. In the 2025/26 Turkish Süper Lig, Shomurodov scored 22 goals, becoming the league's top scorer alongside Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu. He also provided 5 assists to his teammates.

These figures showed that Shomurodov is able to produce at a high level even at the age of 31. Throughout the season, he operated effectively not only as a finisher inside the penalty box, but also as a forward who creates opportunities for his partners.

At the World Cup, his goal scored from a difficult angle against the Democratic Republic of the Congo further enhanced the player's international reputation. In the early voting stage by FIFA fans, Shomurodov's strike was named the best goal of the World Cup group stage. He garnered 36 percent of the vote, surpassing stars such as Lionel Messi and Vinícius Júnior .

How could he be useful for Spartak?

Although Shomurodov is a classic central striker, he is not a forward who simply waits inside the penalty area. He can also operate as a second striker or in a position closer to the left wing. Transfermarkt lists his primary position as central striker, with secondary positions as second striker and left winger.

Potential advantages for Spartak:

This is a tactical analysis based on the player's characteristics and previous career. It has not yet been confirmed that Spartak's coaching staff has genuinely targeted him for a transfer.

The Russian championship is not foreign to him

Shomurodov elevated his European football career precisely in the Russian Premier League.

He moved from Bunyodkor to Rostov in 2017 and defended the Russian club's colors until 2020. According to Roma's official data, the forward scored 18 goals and provided 12 assists in 91 appearances for Rostov.

In Russia, he has already adapted to:

• physically demanding football;

• matches in cold weather conditions;

• long away trips;

• playing against dense defenses;

• the pressure of the domestic championship.

In this regard, returning to Russia may not require him to fully re-adapt as he did during his first seasons in Turkey or Italy.

But bringing him in won't be easy

Shomurodov is currently not a free agent. In the summer of 2025, he was loaned from Roma to Istanbul Başakşehir with an option to buy.

Following a successful season, the Turkish club fully acquired the player's transfer rights. It was reported that the new contract runs until the summer of 2028.

Therefore, if Spartak wants to sign Shomurodov:

1. First of all, they must negotiate with Istanbul Başakşehir.

2. They need to convince the Turkish club to sell the player.

3. They must agree on Shomurodov's personal terms.

4. The Uzbek forward himself must want to return to Russia.

Shomurodov's current market value is estimated at 7 million euros by Transfermarkt. However, this is not the official transfer price demanded by the club — it is the portal's independent valuation.

Why might the Turkish club sell him?

There are reports that Istanbul Başakşehir acquired Shomurodov from Roma on relatively favorable terms. Some sources indicate the full transfer value was 2.8 million euros, with the previous loan fee at 3 million euros.

If Spartak or another club makes an offer around 7 million euros or higher, the Istanbul team could have an opportunity to make a financial profit.

However, there is a second aspect for the club: Shomurodov became the team's main goalscorer. Selling him could create a huge void in the attacking line. Therefore, the offer is required to be at a level that also covers the player's sporting significance.

Will age 31 be an obstacle to the transfer?

Shomurodov turned 31 in June 2026. For a forward, this is a period where experience and physical capabilities are balanced in their career.

His age can be evaluated in two ways for Spartak.

Positive side:

• he can deliver results right now;

• does not need a long adaptation;

• shares experience with young forwards;

• does not lose composure in high-pressure games.

Risky side:

• limited opportunity to sell him for a higher price later;

• a long-term contract could be a financial risk;

• requires maintaining stable physical condition;

• goalscoring form in Turkey will not automatically repeat in the RPL.

For this reason, a potential transfer would be a decision aimed at getting ready results in the next two to three seasons rather than an investment in young talent.

The Italian school changed his game

After Rostov, Shomurodov moved to Genoa and began his career in the Italian Serie A. In 2021, he was transferred to Roma for 17.5 million euros and signed a five-year contract with the Romans.

The forward later played for:

• Spezia;

• Cagliari;

• Istanbul Başakşehir.

He made 85 appearances across all competitions for Roma, scoring 13 goals. He also won the UEFA Europa Conference League title with the club.

His years in Italy gave him vast experience in tactical discipline, finding space among defenders, and off-the-ball movement. His 22 goals in Turkey showed that he was able to convert this experience back into goalscoring output.

What is certain for now?

Therefore, it is correct to interpret current news not as "Shomurodov is moving to Spartak," but as "a former player considers him a worthy candidate for the Moscow club."

All grounds for a transfer exist, but there is no agreement

Shomurodov's candidacy is not illogical for Spartak. He knows the Russian championship, has gained extensive experience in Italy and Turkey, proved himself at the World Cup, and scored 22 goals in his latest club season.

However, a good recommendation alone is not enough for the transfer to happen. Spartak's official interest, an agreement on price with Istanbul Başakşehir, and the player's personal decision are required.

For now, Shomurodov remains an important player for the Turkish club. But after his latest results and World Cup goal, it won't be surprising if new offers appear on the transfer market.

In your opinion, would moving to Spartak be the right step for Eldor Shomurodov, or should he stay in Turkey? Leave your opinion in the comments and share the article with sports fans on Telegram or other social media!