Galatasaray midfielder Aleksei Batrakov enters the fourth round of the UEFA Champions League general phase against VfB Stuttgart in good form, catching the eye of top European clubs as he chases elite continental goalscorers like Erling Haaland and Harry Kane.
The 21-year-old joined the Turkish club from Lokomotiv Moscow in August for a reported €25 million transfer fee. After an initial settling-in period under head coach Okan Buruk, Batrakov has established himself in the starting lineup for crucial European fixtures. In his last Turkish Süper Lig appearance against Konyaspor, the midfielder recorded a goal and an assist in 61 minutes of play.
Chasing European Elite
Batrakov has scored twice in his first three career Champions League appearances, placing him two goals behind the leaders in the race for top scorer. He opened his European account on Oct. 13 against Barcelona, then equalized before halftime in a 4:2 victory over Lille a week later.
Following the path of legends. Officially welcoming Aleksei Batrakov to Galatasaray 🟡🔴 pic.twitter.com/xOwlUcwklk
Batrakov is the first Russian player to score in two consecutive matches in the Champions League since Anton Miranchuk achieved the feat for Lokomotiv Moscow in 2020. The last Russian to score in consecutive matches in the competition for a foreign club was Roman Pavlyuchenko with Tottenham Hotspur in 2010.
Across 11 appearances for Galatasaray since August, Batrakov has contributed three goals and three assists. Five of those six goal involvements have come since Oct. 9, underlining his good form.
Scouting Attention and Praise From Hansi Flick and Victor Osimhen
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick recently praised Batrakov as an excellent acquisition for Galatasaray, acknowledging his impact despite having watched only a limited number of his matches. Teammate Victor Osimhen has also publicly commended the midfielder, reportedly hinting at a reward for the club scout who brought him to Istanbul.
Liverpool management requested a private suite to observe Batrakov closely during the upcoming fixture against Stuttgart, reflecting growing interest from across Europe. Clubs monitoring the player reportedly include Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, PSG, and Monaco.
Stuttgart Clash and Standings Realities in Istanbul
The team has conceded nine goals in three Champions League fixtures, leaving defensive stability as a primary concern for Buruk’s side.
VfB Stuttgart arrives with seven points from three matches, having nearly secured a spot in the top 24. Across 11 combined matches in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, Stuttgart fixtures have produced 38 total goals.
The match kicks off at 20:45 Moscow time and will be broadcast live by Okko, with commentary provided by Alexander Yeremeyev.
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