The European football season has officially started, which means teams continue to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window. This was reported by Euro-football.ru.
Spain's Sports.es published an article dedicated to Lokomotiv's young midfielder Aleksey Batrakov. According to author David Rubio, the doubts and sanctions regarding moving to Russia have significantly limited the transfer market among European players.
As a result, clubs are hiring fewer high-level foreign players, but this situation is encouraging the development of a new generation of Russian footballers, giving them more opportunities to play on the field. According to the Spanish publication, Batrakov is steadily progressing at all levels within the "Railwaymen" squad.
In the summer of 2023, after turning 18, he began training with the first team under the leadership of Mikhail Galaktionov. Within two years, Batrakov has become a leading star of the Russian Premier League.
After five rounds, Loko has accumulated 13 points, while Batrakov scored 6 goals in these matches. Currently, all players in Russia are on sale, but prices are not cheap.
Lokomotiv recently received an offer of approximately 15 million euros from Marseille, but the Moscow side stated that negotiations would only begin if the offer started at 20 million euros. Against this backdrop, Russian media are increasingly talking about Manchester City's interest in Batrakov.
The forward can play dangerously not only with the ball but also without it. He finishes attacks excellently, can strike powerfully from a distance, and understands the game well, which is characteristic only of selected players.
However, the City club plans not to immediately involve Batrakov in the first team but to loan him to one of their partner clubs in Europe — Girona, Troyes, or Palermo. This will provide the young Russian footballer with the opportunity to gain high-level experience.
Thus, Batrakov's transfer to Manchester City is seen as part of a long-term development strategy.
