After a successful season, Rubin Kazan are left with the tough situation of trying to improve their squad. With the hope that none of the big players will depart, though many will have reputable suitors, the main aim will be to strengthen the backbone of the team, adding to each department. Rubin, however, are not blessed with the money they once had. None of their latest big money signings have worked out particularly well (M’Vila, Devic and Livaja most recently), and this has consequently left them in a position where they will most likely have to sell before buying.
In a recent court decision though, Rubin were awarded €5.6/€5.9m, depending on whether you believe CSKA or Rubin, for the illegal transfer of Roman Eremenko to the Muscovites last summer. Some of this money has been used already, and the club has agreed to the permanent signing of Uruguayan full back Guillermo Cotugno, who will re-join after his experience in the U20 World Cup, though the fee was nominal and thought to be no more than €100k.
Despite this income, it is more than likely that the club will look to free transfers, mainly of Russian players. General Director Ayrat Garaev confirmed in a recent interview that the club is looking to add another four players to the squad. A central defender, a central midfielder, a winger and a forward.
In defence it is possible that Taras Burlak and Maxim Zhestokov could fill the gap, after successful loan spells away at Krylia Sovetov and Volga NN. Outside of this, Vladimir Rykov is set to depart Torpedo Moscow after his contract expires, and although linked to Mordovia so far, would be an apt back up signing. Another ex-Torpedo defender, Adam Kokoszka, is available on a free after his contract was terminated, and similarly to Rykov would be a good addition on a free. Perhaps the best signing that Rubin could make here is Russian international Vitaly Dyakov. He worked with Rubin manager Rinat Bilyaletdinov when they were both in the Lokomotiv youth set up, and with hints that he might not extend his Rostov contract, the chance to renew the relationship – something Bilyaletdinov did last summer 5 times with other ex-Loko players - is highly possible.
In midfield, Rubin have been linked with Pavel Golyshev of Tom Tomsk, though these rumours have already been quashed by those close to the club. Amkar midfielder Alexandr Kolomeitsev is another of those soon to be out of contract players who could suit the club. With over 130 games for Amkar he is blessed with Premier League experience and no doubt will add some strength to the squad. A move yet to be mentioned could be Rubin reacquainting themselves with Pavel Mogilevets. The young midfielder flourished in Kazan in 2014 while on loan from Zenit. His return to St Petersburg has not been fruitful, with only 95 minutes of Premier League game time, all as a substitute, and with Zenit already signing Artur Yusupov from Dinamo, it could well put Mogilevets back in the shop window. Most likely however, is that Rinat will move to sign his son, and former Everton midfielder Diniyar Bilyaletdinov, when he is released from Spartak. Other possibilities include Sapeta of Ural, Kascelan of Arsenal Tula and Bashkirov of Tomsk.
Wingers are an interesting area. Until recently there had been no rumours, but young Zenit winger Daniel Yaschuk, who is again out of contract soon, has been linked with a move to Rubin, a club which last season showed its willingness to give youth a chance, and this could be a pull to many players. Dinamo winger Anatoliy Katrich trialled with the club in the winter, and a move could be on the cards as nothing could be agreed between the clubs back then. Another option could be Krylia winger Denis Tkachuk, who after an impressive season in the FNL, has been linked with most of the big clubs, Zenit included.
With regards to forwards, it is likely that the club will again look the players returning from loan. Sardar Azmoun had a decent spell with Rostov, and similarly Kamil Mullin with Sokol Saratov in the FNL. Both are also options to play out wide as well as their natural striker postion, and with some game time under their belt, they could be ready to make a better impact in the RPL. However, having missed out on Fedor Smolov due to his wage demands, it is clear that the intent is there to add a new face to the squad, but options for this role are hard to find, especially in Russia.
If Rubin can add a player to each position they intend to, while holding on to the key players in their squad, they can surely push on for European football next season, but with their stringent budget, it will certainly be interesting to see how they get on.
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Follow David on Twitter: @RubinKazanUK
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