Spartak Midfielder Bako Hailed as Key Player Amid Departure Speculation

Esqueuell Bako has established himself as a crucial player for Spartak Moscow since joining the club in July 2024, according to former Spartak five-time Russian champion Ramiz Mamedov. Mamedov stated that Bako's departure would represent a significant loss for the club, underscoring the midfielder's importance to the team's recent success, including their Russian Cup victory in the previous season.

Bako's impact at Spartak has been substantial, with 21 goals scored across 67 matches since his arrival. His transfer fee of 16 million euros ranked as the second-most expensive in the club's history. The Argentine midfielder made his debut on July 28, 2024, in a Russian Championship match against Khimki, starting in the lineup.

Despite remaining officially on Spartak's roster as of June 2026, rumors about Bako's future have intensified due to personal circumstances. Following his divorce in 2025, his daughter's mother took their two-year-old child to Argentina, causing the player significant emotional difficulty. In response to these personal challenges, Bako has proposed through his representatives that he extend his contract with Spartak while taking a one-year loan at Independiente, the club where he began his career. No official confirmation of his departure has been announced, though media discussion of potential scenarios for his future remains active.