No Armenian footballer has ever played for Southampton, but this could imminently change.
Southampton manager Will Still and Sporting Director Johannes Spors are huge admirers of FC Krasnodar playmaker Eduard Spertsyan, who is pushing to leave his boyhood club in search of European Football.
A bid has reportedly gone in for the Armenian playmaker, who previously turned down the Saints this summer, but in a U-turn now wants the move to the Championship.
Here’s why Southampton have made signing Spertsyan their number one priority, and how good the Armenian really is.
A Promise
Spertsyan’s boyhood club Krasnodar won the Russian Premier League in 2024/25, with Spertsyan their talisman, who has one year left on his current contract.
Despite being above the level of the Russian league, the Armenian has stayed there all his career in a promise – to pay back his childhood club, and win a trophy with them. This was accomplished last year, of course, with them winning the Russian Premier League.
“We’ll see if I play again for Krasnodar. It’s no secret that I want to try myself in Europe. I kept my promise — now it’s time for Europe,” Spertsyan said after his boyhood club won the title in May.
Now his promise has been fulfilled, it is down to Krasnodar President Sergey Galitsky to accept Southampton’s proposal, which has been deemed by the club as acceptable, per sources at Armenie Football.
Spertsyan’s Change of Heart
At the start of the summer, Southampton were discouraged by Spertsyan, who reportedly turned down their proposal. But as time has developed, he has made moving to the Saints a considerable prospect.
He is Krasnodar and Armenia’s captain, and has led them to silverware, making Spertsyan an ambitious character. He’s described as a very kind, motivated and loyal player, especially to the people and teams he loves. Having not played for many different sides throughout his career, the next step up will have to be a considerable one.
Other clubs are interested though, now-Saints boss – Will Still’s RC Lens had a bid accepted last season, but the deal fell through close to the transfer deadline for a variety of reasons. This summer, they are back in again, but their bid sounds set to miss Krasnodar’s asking price.
Portuguese outfit Porto are also reportedly interested, but manager André Villas-Boas has rejected claims that an offer has been sent for Spertsyan.
Will Still’s Ongoing Interest
Sperstyan is clearly a player Will Still has a great fondness and respect to, given that he attempted to sign him at RC Lens too. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a Sporting Director working closely with a manager to sign the correct player profiles.
And Still himself has admitted that Spertsyan is a target in a recent press conference. “There’s a big list of players that we’ve looked at and Eduard was a part of that list. He’s a good player. He’s got a proven record and we’re interested in good players, but that’s about it, or it’s as much as I can say.”
Spertsyan told Russian media last week that there’s a proposal on the cards, but cannot speak on the speculation.
Where Would He Fit In At Saints?
Spertsyan became the first midfielder in the 21st century to score 10 or more goals in three consecutive Russian PL seasons. It is clear to see his creative talent – exactly what Southampton have been crying out for in the early ages of the season.
The 25-year-old is a great set piece taker, and his current team Krasnodar, as a team, generate a significant number of shots through this. 26% of their corners last season ended in shots – brilliant numbers. This is an attribute Will Still will love, who focuses on getting balls into the box in the final third in a high-tempo style.
Spertsyan regularly plays as a central attacking playmaker, which Southampton have been looking for since the beginning of the transfer window.
With Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain just a couple of the top sides who have looked at Spertsyan recently, this could be an extremely clever coup for a Championship side looking to gain promotion and stay in the Premier League.
