Credit: Imago

Scott Mason

Mon 16 March 2026 17:10, UK

Eduard Spertsyan has been a player on Leeds United‘s radar for quite some time, but the Armenian has now downplayed a move to England.

The Peacocks and Spertsyan have been linked together ever since February 2025, and rumours of a move have appeared in each of the last two transfer windows.

The 25-year-old is currently plying his trade in Russia for Krasnodar, a club he has remained at throughout his whole footballing career.

Armenia’s captain came through the youth ranks of the southern Russian club and, since making his first-team debut, has been one of the top performers in the Russian Premier League.

However, his recent comments now put doubt into a transfer to Leeds anytime soon.

What has Eduard Spertsyan said about a move to Leeds?

Spertsyan has effectively shut down any talk of moving to the Premier League in the near future, and in doing so, denied any future switch to Leeds.

Speaking to Sport Express, Spertsyan has shared he did not know anything about the interest from the Elland Road side in the recent transfer window.

He said: “I know absolutely nothing about [Leeds’ interest]. Really. These questions aren’t for me. If I leave, my preferences will probably be for Spain or Italy.

“England? That is probably another step up. I’m not afraid in principle, but it is better to get there via a different league. The most important thing is that I play and don’t just go somewhere else.”

Reports stated Leeds had moved for Spertsyan on deadline day; however, if that was the case, it appears the Whites had no chance of convincing the Armenian international on that move.

The midfielder believes he is not quite ready for the level required in England’s top flight. Farke will now have to look elsewhere in the summer window.

Why Leeds will need to sign a number 10 in the summer

Leeds had wanted a number 10 in the last transfer window but instead had to settle on bringing Facundo Buonanotte to the club on a temporary basis.

The Argentinian has not had the impact that was hoped for the loanee, and all signs point to him returning to Brighton in the summer.

Farke will have to replace the loanee, but a move for Spertsyan now looks out of the question. The long-term interest likely would have had him near the top of the shortlist.

Leeds have recently fallen back into the relegation battle, so their business will also depend on the league they compete in next season.

One thing for certain is that a move for Spertsyan looks incredibly unlikely unless there is a U-turn from the midfielder.