Anzhi Makhachkala’s Bold Spending Spree: Where Are They Now?

Between 2011 and 2013, Anzhi Makhachkala, a football club based in Russia, made headlines across Europe with an extravagant spending spree that aimed to transform the team into a powerhouse of the sport. Under the ownership of billionaire Suleyman Kerimov, who purchased the club in January 2011, Anzhi signed a remarkable 18 players, including several high-profile stars. The ambition seemed to pay off when the club secured a third-place finish in the Russian Premier League in the 2012/13 season, qualifying for the Europa League where they even achieved a notable victory against Liverpool.

However, the euphoria was short-lived. By the summer of 2013, Kerimov experienced a substantial financial setback, losing approximately £5.5 billion on a failed investment. This prompted a rapid decline for Anzhi, leading to the offloading of star players and a significant reduction in budget. The club’s fortunes dwindled, ultimately resulting in a loss of professional status. With the dramatic changes, many of the players who arrived during this brief period of glory faced uncertain futures.

Key Signings and Their Journeys

One of the most notable signings was Samuel Eto’o, who became the highest-paid player in the world upon joining Anzhi, earning £17.3 million annually after tax. He made a significant impact on the pitch, scoring 26 goals in 73 matches. Despite his success, Eto’o faced safety concerns, opting to live in Moscow and commuting to matches in Makhachkala. Following his departure from Anzhi, he continued his career with clubs such as Chelsea and Everton before moving to various teams in Turkey and the Middle East.

Another prominent figure from this era, Willian, was signed for a substantial fee but had a limited impact, playing only 11 matches for Anzhi. He later thrived in the Premier League with Chelsea, helping the team secure multiple titles. Now at Gremio, Willian remains active in football, having played for Fulham as recently as last season.

Among the other key signings was Aleksandr Kokorin, who was brought in to develop local talent. Despite his potential, Kokorin did not appear in any first-team matches for Anzhi and was sold to Dynamo Moscow after a year. He later enjoyed success at Zenit, winning several domestic trophies.

The club also signed Yuri Zhirkov, who made 63 appearances before moving to Dynamo Moscow. His career continued to flourish, with stints at Zenit and accolades including a spot in the Euro 2008 Team of the Tournament. Currently, at age 38, he remains a significant figure in Russian football history.

Other players such as Denisov and Boussoufa experienced varied fortunes. Denisov, known for his fiery temperament, had a tumultuous career, while Boussoufa proved to be a valuable asset, contributing significantly during his time with Anzhi. After securing 13 goals and 27 assists in his 87 appearances, he moved on to further his career in the Middle East.

The Aftermath of Anzhi’s Spending Spree

The influx of talent did not guarantee long-term success for Anzhi. Many players struggled to find stability after the club’s financial collapse. For instance, Andrey Yeshchenko joined Anzhi in 2013, making 34 appearances before a series of loans and a final stint at Spartak Moscow, where he won the Russian Premier League in the 2016/17 season. Yeshchenko later transitioned into management, taking the helm at FC Kuban Krasnodar.

Similarly, Oleg Shatov, who made a name for himself at Anzhi, moved to Zenit for a reported €20 million as the club began to cut budgets. His career has been marked by success, including two Russian Premier League titles.

While many of the stars signed during Anzhi’s lavish spending have moved on, the legacy of their brief time at the club remains notable. The ambition to elevate Anzhi to new heights ultimately faltered, serving as a cautionary tale in football finance. As the club continues to rebuild, the stories of these players highlight the unpredictable nature of the sport and the impact of financial decisions on club dynamics.

With all statistics sourced from Transfermarkt as of September 13, 2025, the journey of Anzhi Makhachkala’s signings encapsulates both the allure and the risks involved in high-stakes football investments.