From Lokomotiv's academy to a €25 million move to Istanbul
In short: Aleksey Batrakov's ascent from a six-year-old trainee to a Turkish giant's marquee signing is remarkable. After dominating the Russian Premier League, the attacking midfielder became Galatasaray's first Russian player, securing a massive transfer that highlights his rapid rise through the ranks of professional football.
The trajectory of Aleksey Batrakov is a study in rapid professional development. Born in 2005 in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, he joined the FC Lokomotiv Moscow Academy in 2011 at just six years old. He progressed through every age group, eventually winning the Youth Football League 2 in the 2020/21 season and the Russian Youth Football League in 2023, where he was named Best Player and Top Playmaker.
His transition to senior football was swift. After training with Lokomotiv's first team in the summer of 2023, he made his Russian Premier League debut on 31 March 2024 against Krasnodar. His impact was immediate; by the 2024–25 season, he was a top scorer, eventually finishing the campaign with 14 goals and earning the Young Player of the Season award.
Batrakov's statistical dominance continued into the 2025–26 season, where he recorded 17 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. This performance precipitated a historic move on 20 August 2026, when Galatasaray announced negotiations and signed him to a five-year contract for a €25,000,000.00 fee. In doing so, he became the first Russian footballer to join the 121-year-old Turkish club.
His rise also saw him represent the Russia national team, making his debut in a friendly against Brunei on 15 November 2024, where he scored on his first appearance. He has since become a central figure for both club and country, transitioning from a youth prospect to a high-value international asset.
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