Batrakov Explains Why He Chose Galatasaray

The Lokomotiv-bound midfielder says Champions League football drove his €25m move, and admits the Russian league's level is declining without European competition.

Published 9 September 2026 1 min read Sportpul editorial

Midfielder Batrakov in Galatasaray's black and green kit dribbles the ball near the corner flag — Рисунок по фотографии

Aleksei Batrakov has explained why he chose Galatasaray over staying in Russia, telling the YouTube channel of Nobel Arustamyan that Champions League football was the deciding factor.

The 21-year-old midfielder also compared the standard of Turkish football with the Russian Premier League, and was critical of his former rivals.

Batrakov joined Galatasaray from Lokomotiv at the end of the summer for a fee of €25m, signing a contract until 30 June 2031, and has played two matches for the Istanbul side without a goal or an assist.

Batrakov's move follows a summer in which Galatasaray also tried and failed to sign Gabriel Martinelli, who instead left Arsenal for Al Hilal. The move exploits the vacuum left by UEFA’s ban on Russian clubs.

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