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Türkiye's reigning champion Galatasaray has begun formal negotiations with Lokomotiv Moscow to transfer Aleksei Batrakov, with the 21-year-old playmaker having landed in Istanbul on Thursday after his flight was delayed by drone attacks on the Russian capital.
The Turkish side confirmed in a disclosure that discussions are underway with both the player and his current club. Batrakov, who has featured prominently on Galatasaray's recruitment list for an extended period, is expected to sign his contract after undergoing medical checks.
The private jet carrying the Russian young star touched down at Ataturk Airport's General Aviation Terminal at 1:50 p.m. local time (GMT+3). The flight was originally scheduled to depart Moscow earlier but took off with a delay due to ongoing drone attacks in the region.
Russian media reports indicated the aircraft was held up as Moscow's airports faced temporary restrictions amid Ukraine's heavy airstrikes on the capital.
Multiple airports, including Vnukovo, Domodedovo and Zhukovsky, were closed or operating under severe restrictions overnight into Thursday as air defense systems intercepted dozens of Ukrainian drones approaching the city.
The disruptions triggered widespread cancellations and delays across the region. With restrictions eventually lifted and air traffic returning to normal, Batrakov's flight was cleared for takeoff.
Upon arrival, the young star greeted fans waiting at the terminal before departing in a private vehicle.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of Russian football's most promising attacking midfielders. Since his elevation to Lokomotiv's senior squad in January 2024, the academy product has made 84 official appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists, a combined 57 direct goal contributions for the green-and-red side.
According to Russian journalist Ivan Karpov, the two clubs have reached an agreement on a base fee of €25 million ($29.2 million), supplemented by €4 million in performance-related bonuses. Lokomotiv will also retain a 10% share of any future transfer.
Galatasaray supporters had been waiting for Batrakov's arrival for weeks. The yellow-and-red faithful have grown increasingly restless throughout a slow summer window, with patience wearing thin over the club's cautious approach in the market.
During pre-season friendlies, chants urging the management to act echoed through the stands as fans demanded more aggressive recruitment.
The frustration was fuelled by key departures over the summer, while only Lesley Ugochukwu had been brought in on loan prior to Batrakov's arrival. Once registered, Batrakov will become Galatasaray's second signing of the summer window after Ugochukwu, who arrived from Burnley.
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