Leonid Goldman, the representative for Akron forward Artem Dzyuba, said the veteran striker already carries a favorable impression of Togliatti. He described the city as beautiful and noted the Volga River as a majestic backdrop to the discussions surrounding the transfer and the settling period. Discussions around the move, reported by Sports Express, signaled a smooth integration into Akron’s plans.
Artem Dzyuba has expressed positive impressions of Togliatti. He praised the natural beauty along the Volga, and Goldman indicated that the immediate priority is resolving daily housing arrangements for the player and his family so they can settle quickly. This account, reported by Sports Express, underscores a practical approach to the signing and a quick adaptation to life in central Russia.
In the match against Khimki near Moscow, Dzyuba came on in the 64th minute and provided an assist that helped sustain Akron’s attack. His late entry and playmaking presence signaled his readiness to influence games from the outset of his Akron tenure, and it highlighted the club’s willingness to lean on his top-flight experience as it builds a competitive forward line.
Dzyuba parted ways with Lokomotiv Moscow after the end of the previous season. The 35-year-old forward appeared in 26 matches across all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, contributing four goals and four assists. Lokomotiv finished fourth in the Russian Premier League with 53 points, reflecting a stable position in a crowded table. Joining Akron, the striker brings a veteran perspective and a track record of delivering in pressure moments.
Akron is a debutant in the Russian Premier League, stepping into the top tier with aspirations to grow rapidly. After eight rounds, the club sat 11th in the standings with eight points, a sign of the early challenges and potential that come with a new team in Russia’s premier division. The addition of Dzyuba is part of a broader plan to raise the club’s competitive ceiling while providing leadership on and off the pitch.
From the outset, it was clear that Dzyuba’s main task in Akron would be to bring experience, leadership, and goal threat to a squad still forging its identity in the top division. His presence is expected to help younger players raise their level, while his experience in big-pressure games could translate into important results as the season progresses. The move positions Akron to balance youthful energy with proven quality, aiming for a more consistent performance across the league, and to establish a stronger foundation for the club’s ambitions in the years ahead.