Former USSR national team standout and Moscow Spartak legend Evgeny Lovchev shared thoughts on the potential transfer involving Lokomotiv’s defender Nair Tiknizyan and Zenit. Lovchev asserted that the agreement would become official, indicating a strong belief in the move finally materializing.
According to Lovchev, the return of Tiknizyan might happen because the current situation has not progressed smoothly. He noted that Zenit has a clear need for a player in that position and added that in Russia, Zenit would attract the highest valuation for a defender, making the transfer financially favorable for all parties involved.
Nair Tiknizyan is regarded as a capable player who has delivered solid performances this season. He has been prolific in front of goal, ranking among the season’s top scorers, and has assumed a leadership role within his squad. Lovchev suggested that even if the current deal falters, Zenit would likely explore alternative options, yet he remains confident that a resolution will eventually be reached.
The news cycle around Tiknizyan’s move intensified on January 25 when media outlets reported delays in the transfer to Zenit. The chatter reflected the high level of interest and the strategic importance of the defender’s next destination for both clubs and the player’s development path.
The descriptive arc of Tiknizyan’s career shows a steady rise. In the summer of 2021, he transitioned from CSKA, where he had trained as a youngster, to Lokomotiv, becoming a senior player for the Moscow club. His development includes appearances for Russia at youth levels and participation in the 2020 European Championship, underscoring his exposure to high-stakes international youth competition and his potential to contribute at senior levels as his club career progresses.
During the current Russian Premier League season, Tiknizyan has appeared in 16 league matches, contributing six goals and two assists. This goal production, combined with his versatility and understanding of the game, marks him as a valuable asset for any top-tier team looking to strengthen its defense with attacking support from the flanks and midfield transitions. Club performance tables reflect a tight race at the top, with Krasnodar taking the winter break as the league leader on 38 points after 18 rounds. Zenit sits in second place, two points behind Krasnodar, while Dinamo sits third with 32 points, illustrating a competitive battle among the elite for the title and European qualification spots.
In related career notes, Bulykin has previously commented on Tiknizyan’s trajectory, highlighting the defender as one of the most promising talents to emerge in the Russian league. This recognition from a veteran observer adds weight to the expectation that Tiknizyan will continue to develop quickly and attract continued interest from major clubs within the league and beyond. The current narrative around his future emphasizes both the strategic value to Zenit and the potential for Lokomotiv to negotiate favorable terms that reflect Tiknizyan’s growing impact on the field.