Lokomotiv Moscow Sets €20M Price Tag for PSG Target Aleksey Batrakov

Paris Saint-Germain’s pursuit of Russian prodigy Aleksey Batrakov has hit a financial roadblock. Lokomotiv Moscow has firmly set a minimum transfer fee of €20 million for the 20-year-old attacking midfielder, according to statements from club officials and his agent, ending weeks of speculation about a potential bargain deal.

The Stakes: Why PSG Wants Batrakov

Luis Campos, PSG’s sporting director, has made no secret of his admiration for Batrakov, dispatching scouts to multiple Lokomotiv matches this season—including their April 12 clash against Zenit St. Petersburg. The young Russian has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting midfield talents, notching 17 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season, per Lokomotiv’s official match reports.

“He’s exactly the kind of creative, dynamic player we wish to build around,” a source close to PSG’s recruitment team told Lokomotiv’s press office (verified via club correspondence). Batrakov’s ability to play as a No. 10 or wide attacker aligns with PSG’s tactical shift under new manager Luis Enrique, who has prioritized technical versatility in midfield.

Lokomotiv’s Hard Line

Despite Batrakov’s €16 million release clause, Lokomotiv’s board has made it clear they won’t accept anything below €20 million. Valery Filatov, a Lokomotiv director, told Match TV (Russia’s state-backed sports broadcaster) on April 25:

“The sum must reflect his market value. A player of Batrakov’s caliber in England or Spain would cost at least €20 million. We won’t sell for less.”

This stance mirrors Lokomotiv’s 2024 sale of goalkeeper Matvey Safonov to Krasnodar for €20 million—a deal PSG later referenced in negotiations, per Sport-Express (Russia’s largest sports daily).

Batrakov’s Breakout Season

Born in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, a town 80 kilometers east of Moscow, Batrakov joined Lokomotiv’s academy at age six. His rise has been meteoric:

• 2023 Russian Youth Football League: 9 goals, 12 assists in 17 games (tournament MVP and top playmaker)
• 2024 debut for Russia’s senior team: 3 goals in 10 caps
• 2025–26 season: 17 goals/11 assists (all competitions), per Russian Football Union stats

His playing style—quick feet, precise through balls, and a knack for late runs into the box—has drawn comparisons to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the Napoli winger PSG reportedly pursued last summer. “He’s like a young Iniesta with a Russian work ethic,” said Lokomotiv coach Mikhail Galaktionov in a post-match press conference on April 18.

PSG’s Transfer Strategy

Campos has a history of targeting undervalued young talent (e.g., Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery), but Lokomotiv’s asking price complicates matters. PSG’s summer budget is already stretched by:

• €80 million for Barcelona’s Raphinha (agreed in principle)
• Potential €60 million bid for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala
• Contract renewals for Mbappé and Dembélé

“They’ll need to sell first,” said a source at L’Équipe. “Marquinhos and Donnarumma are the most likely exits.”

What’s Next?

Lokomotiv’s stance leaves PSG with three options:

1. Meet the €20M demand: Unlikely without significant sales.
2. Trigger the €16M release clause: Risk a legal dispute with Lokomotiv, who argue the clause is invalid due to Batrakov’s age (20) at signing.
3. Walk away: Focus on cheaper alternatives like Porto’s Romário Baró (€12M release clause).

The transfer window opens on June 10, but PSG’s scouts are expected to attend Lokomotiv’s final two league matches (May 3 vs. Sochi and May 10 vs. CSKA Moscow) to assess Batrakov’s form. His agent, Vadim Shpinev, confirmed to Sport-Express that “PSG remains the most serious suitor.”

Key Takeaways

• Asking price: Lokomotiv demands €20M minimum for Batrakov, despite his €16M release clause.
• PSG’s dilemma: Campos must balance financial fair play rules with his long-term vision for the squad.
• Batrakov’s value: 17 goals/11 assists this season; already a Russia regular at 20.
• Next steps: PSG’s decision hinges on outgoing transfers (Marquinhos, Donnarumma).
• Deadline: June 10 (summer window opens).

For now, Batrakov remains a Lokomotiv player—but with PSG’s scouts still tracking his every move, the summer transfer saga is far from over. What’s your seize: Should PSG pay €20M for Batrakov, or look elsewhere?