Football Season Guide

Torpedo Moscow were crowned champions of the Russian second tier as Aleksandr Borodyuk lead them to promotion. It marks their return to Russia's top flight since they were relegated in 2015, spending seven years in both the second and third tiers. They have not done anywhere near as much business as their fellow promoted sides, with Orenburg leading the way in terms of expenditure. So far Khoshimat Erkinov is their most expensive signing this summer as the left winger joins from Pakhtakor in Uzbekistan's top flight. However, Torpedo Moscow have added two players with former Russian Premier League experience in Bogdan Reichman and Ilya Kutepov. Reichman was able to pick up four RPL appearances for Krasnodar last year, whilst Kutepov has spent several seasons with Spartak Moscow. David Karaev will be hoping he can add some firepower to the Torpedo attack as he joins from second division side SKA Khabarovsk. He scored 14 league goals last season but failed to get on the scoresheet in either of their play-off matches against Khimki to win promotion to the RPL. Vladislav Adaev has left on a free after making 30 league appearances last season, whilst support player Pavel Sedko also departs the club on a free to join Gomel. Torpedo Moscow become the fifth side from Moscow to play in the top flight during this campaign and they will be fighting to stay up here as they face a difficult start against Sochi and Dinamo Moscow to begin the season.