Paide Linnameeskond announced the strengthening of their squad ahead of the new season with the signings of two central midfielders from relegated Tallinna Kalev: Ramon Smirnov and Aleksandr Šurõgin.
Smirnov, 21, arrives with substantial Premium Liiga experience despite his age. He has made 82 top-flight appearances for Tallinna Kalev, having debuted at 17. An Estonia youth international at every level, he is currently part of the U21 national team and started alongside Paide’s Oskar Hõim in a midfield pairing against France U21 last October.
Šurõgin, 19, also made his Premium Liiga debut at 17, initially with JK Pärnu Vaprus. After moving to Tallinna Kalev, he established himself during the most recent season with 28 league appearances. A positionally flexible midfielder, his development has been shaped in part by a year spent playing in Spain.
Sporting director Gert Kams said both players fit Paide’s sporting plan. He described Smirnov as an experienced and versatile midfielder who adds depth and tactical options, while highlighting Šurõgin’s technical confidence, adaptability, and game understanding developed through international exposure.
Both players said they view Paide as a strong and professional environment for the next stage of their development and approach the move with clear motivation ahead of the new season.
Source: https://www.paidelinnameeskond.ee/linnameeskond-sai-topelttaienduse/#prettyPhoto
