Alexei Batrakov is edging ever closer to leaving Lokomotiv Moscow, with a move not just to Europe but straight to a Champions League finalist. PSG are highly interested in the player and will send representatives to Moscow for negotiations with Lokomotiv. This information was first reported by insiders in early April, and has now been confirmed by the player’s agent. It’s time to prepare for the biggest transfer of the RPL summer.
The agent who was previously cautious has now confirmed the deal. The huge optimism surrounding Batrakov’s move to PSG comes after a statement from his agent, Vladimir Kuzmichev. In an interview with RB Sport, he was asked whether PSG sporting director Luis Campos would attend talks with Lokomotiv. Kuzmichev replied: “I have information that either Campos or one of his closest assistants should fly to Moscow. They will primarily be communicating with the club.” For context, earlier in April, insider Andrei Pankov had reported that Paris were very interested. At that time, Kuzmichev was more reserved: “Information periodically comes that one club or another is watching, but it never goes further than that.”
In mid-April, there was news that scouts from PSG were at Lokomotiv’s match against Zenit (0-0), according to another Batrakov agent, Vadim Shpinev. This turned out to be false, as Kuzmichev denied it: “Vadim Shpinev phrased it incorrectly. In reality, there were no PSG representatives at the game. Vadim meant that they are closely monitoring Batrakov.” So it seems Kuzmichev is not prone to making empty claims about the transfer. Now this mega-insider news comes from him, which is why the transfer feels so credible.
Insider Ivan Karpov adds that Paris is also interested in CSKA midfielder Matvey Kislyak – could we see two Russians moving to a top club? Even if the PSG deal falls through, Batrakov is almost certain to leave for Europe.
Still, doubts remain: does PSG really need Batrakov? He would face even tougher competition than Matvey Safonov did after his move in 2024. In Paris, the standard formation is 4-3-3 without an attacking midfielder, with a solid core of four players for three midfield spots: Fabian Ruiz, Joao Neves, Warren Zaire-Emery, and Vitinha. Even if Luis Enrique suddenly wanted to play with a number 10, Batrakov would have to fight hard. PSG already have two attacking midfielders – South Korean Lee Kang-in and Spanish Duro Fernandez. Lee has been at the club for three seasons and is still far from being a starter; Batrakov would face even greater difficulty.
Who else is interested in Batrakov? Lokomotiv is already planning for his departure: according to Mutko Protiv, the Moscow club included a clause about selling Batrakov in their revenue report for the 2026/27 season.
* **Napoli** – either Batrakov or Matvey Kislyak. A recent insider report from the Telegram channel Mutko Protiv said the two midfielders are on Napoli’s transfer shortlist, indicating serious interest. However, they won’t buy both at once: if Batrakov goes to PSG, Kislyak could be headed to Napoli (unless Paris takes both).
* **Porto** – a more league-appropriate option. According to Legalbet, the club wants Batrakov to replace Rodrigo Mora, who could be sold for €70 million.
* **Galatasaray** – searching for a “new Dries Mertens.” The Belgian ended his career in Istanbul before the 2025/26 season, and Galatasaray haven’t found a replacement yet. They want Batrakov, according to Turkish journalist Mehmet Agir in late April.
Batrakov may come relatively cheap – below his market value. Surprisingly, the most favorable option for Lokomotiv seems to be Galatasaray. The Turks are reportedly willing to pay €25 million for Alexei, as per Agir. That matches Batrakov’s Transfermarkt valuation, but everyone else would pay less.
In the summer of 2025, Batrakov and Lokomotiv renewed his contract with a new release clause. Andrei Pankov reported that the clause for European clubs is €20 million, while for Russian clubs it’s negotiable. At the time, it seemed like a good price. But over the past year, Alexei’s value has increased while the release clause remained. There is also a nuance: if activated, €4 million goes to the player’s side, which may or may not be waived. In any case, Lokomotiv would only receive €16 million.
That would put Batrakov only eighth on the list of most expensive Russian transfers. Roman Pavlyuchenko and Andrei Arshavin were bought for more 17 years ago (€17 million each), and Matvey Safonov cost PSG €20 million two years ago. All three were over 25 at the time of transfer, while the 20-year-old Batrakov would be cheaper. Clearly undervalued.
“He’ll get crushed abroad” and “He should pack his bags.” Do Russians believe in Batrakov? Most experts are skeptical. For example, Andrei Tikhonov is pessimistic: “He’s not ready for Europe. We all understand he’s a golden boy with great execution and skill, but abroad you need strong individual qualities, and he doesn’t have them yet. He has technique, movement, and passes. But on the field, players will crush him. I think Alexei needs to get stronger.” Gennady Orlov also thinks it’s too early due to insufficient physical preparation: “He has good football qualities – precise passing, vision, etc. But why send him abroad now? I disagree. It’s a mistake. He needs another season in the RPL to build muscle mass. He’s still too light. In Europe, the level of physical battles is completely different.” Timur Gurtskaya doesn’t believe in the PSG option specifically: “Football-wise, I don’t believe Batrakov will go to PSG. I’ve heard about Atletico Madrid. They’re watching him from afar. I believe more in Batrakov at Atletico. He’s such a talent that many will compete for him. I just don’t believe in PSG – a team that has reached two Champions League finals in two years. It’s too early for him. He needs an intermediate step. Without European competitions, Batrakov hasn’t shone even in unofficial matches for Russia. Any club playing in the Champions League would be a top level for him to showcase himself.”
Andrei Kanchelskis thinks he should go, but he was referring to the Napoli option: “I hope it’s not just a shortlist, but that they (Batrakov and Kislyak) actually join the team. Napoli is a great club. You need to pack your bags, run to the station
