Europe's favourite destination

By Eduard Nisenboim & Pavle Gognidze

In 1994, Syrian Assaf Al-Khalifa caused a minor sensation when he became the first foreign player to move to the Russian Premier-Liga, joining FC Zhemchuzhina Sochi. However, this winter, Russia seems to be the favourite destination of footballers of all nationalities.

Gay abandon
While financial problems have made western European clubs timid in the transfer market, Russian sides have been spending with gay abandon. Some 50 or so foreign players have already joined Russian clubs in pre-season, and the days where a lone Syrian was an exotic sight have long since passed.

Serious money
Czech Republic international Jirí Jarosík became Russia's most expensive signing this winter when he joined PFC CSKA Moskva from AC Sparta Praha for €3.7m, and he made no secret of what Russia had to offer. "Russians can be very persuasive," he said. "Knowing they cannot offer players a beach, they offer the best money in the world."

Quality signings
In terms of foreign signings, it has not just been players from former Soviet Republics - the 'near abroad' - joining Russian clubs. French, Swedish and Portuguese players are going to Russia joining the Brazilians and former Yugoslavians that have long strengthened Russian squads. As FC Krylya Sovetov Samara chairman German Tkachenko put it: "I don't care where a player comes from - I only care about his professionalism."

Token signings
What has been even more remarkable in recent years has been the quality of players that Russia has been able to attract. In the early years of the Premier-Liga, foreign players tended to be little more than novelties in Russia. Brazilians were bought for the sake of having one of Pelé's compatriots on the pitch, while footballers from Asia and Africa arrived who were rarely on a par with homegrown talent.

Increased proficiency
However, since the late 1990s, quality has improved dramatically. With six years in the Premier-Liga, former PFC CSKA Moskva and FC Spartak Moskva player Samaroni is well respected, while former Spartak striker Robson - now in France with FC Lorient - leads the line for foreign goalscorers with 32 strikes during his time with the club. All this during a period when Spartak coach Oleg Romantsev admitted: "I communicate with my foreign players mainly in gestures."

Foreign policy
The 2002 season saw foreign players make even more impact. South African international Jacob Lekcetho played a key part in FC Lokomotiv Moskva's first ever title, Bosnia-Herzegovina's Elver Rahimic was an integral part of the CSKA midfield, while Senegalese defender Baye Kebe was one of the few Spartak players to sparkle.

Cheaper option
Why all this foreign activity? The simple answer is that Russian talent no longer comes cheap. With young internationals Alexander Kerzhakov of FC Zenit St.Peterburg and Evgeni Aldonin of SC Rotor Volgograd valued at a cool €6m each, foreign talent seems the cheapest option. "There are players we would to see in our starting eleven," complained Lokomotiv coach Yuri Semin. "But the asking price for them is unrealistic."

Brazilian flair
The new season will see more foreigners take centre stage. FC Dinamo Moskva have signed the Brazilian championship's top goalscorer, Santos FC's Luiz de Sousa Alberto, while new boys FC Rubin Kazan have landed SC Fluminense's Roni.

Incredible prospect
Elsewhere, FC Torpedo-ZIL Moskva have signed a Swede, FC Saturn Moskovskaya Oblast have signed a Peruvian and rumours persist that FC Uralan Elista are trying to persuade AC Chievo Verona to let them bring the first ever Italian player into the Premier-Liga. If financial woes continue in the west what next? The first Englishman?