Armenia Captain Eduard Spertsyan Signs With Saudi Giants Al Ahli

Armenia national team captain Eduard Spertsyan has completed a blockbuster move to Saudi Arabian powerhouse Al Ahli, ending a career-defining chapter at Krasnodar after leading the Russian club to its first league title.

The transfer was officially announced by both clubs on Monday. According to football journalist Ivan Karpov, Spertsyan underwent his medical in Lisbon before finalizing the move.

The 25-year-old midfielder is expected to sign a contract through the summer of 2029, with an option to extend it for one more season. Reports say the deal will earn him more than €6 million ($7 million) annually.

Spertsyan leaves Krasnodar as one of the club's greatest players. He made 185 appearances, scored 58 goals, and provided 44 assists, finishing with 102 goal contributions. His goal tally ranks second in the club's history.

His influence reached beyond the numbers. Wearing the captain's armband, Spertsyan guided Krasnodar to the first Russian Premier League championship in the club's history during the 2024-25 season.

He followed that success with another standout campaign in 2025-26, finishing as the league's top playmaker with 16 assists. He also led the Russian Premier League in total goal contributions, recording 13 goals and 16 assists for a league-best 29.

For several years, Spertsyan had made no secret of his ambition to play in one of Europe's top leagues. Interest came from clubs including Ajax, Lens, and Southampton, but a transfer never materialized.

The closest opportunity came in 2023, when Ajax explored signing the Armenian international. The Dutch club ultimately decided against completing the transfer, with reports citing moral concerns related to Russia and the wider political climate.

Instead of Europe, Spertsyan now begins a new chapter in the Saudi Pro League, where he joins an Al Ahli side that has become one of the league's leading clubs as Saudi football continues to attract top international talent.

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