A report attributed to journalist Ivan Karpov on his Telegram channel claims that footballer Artem Dzyuba faced a substantial financial setback after Lokomotiv Moscow chose not to renew his contract. The write-up highlights a price tag of about 150 million rubles tied to the club’s decision, framing the situation as a dramatic consequence of a non renewal rather than simply a transfer move.
According to Karpov, a performance based clause was part of the discussion. If Dzyuba could tally ten points through a mix of goals and assists, the contract would automatically extend for another season and the player would receive 120 million rubles in salary plus 30 million rubles as a raise. Yet the spring portion of the season proved challenging. The striker worked to improve his physical conditioning, but the targeted threshold remained unmet. In terms of measurable output, the team and analysts noted a combined 4 goals and 4 assists across league and cup competitions, a figure that did not reach the full incentive that had been discussed.
In parallel, Lokomotiv’s leadership faced internal tension. Coach Mikhail Galaktionov found himself at odds with club general director Vladimir Leonchenko over Dzyuba’s inclusion in the squad, but Galaktionov stood firm and kept the player in the rotation. The decision underscored the friction between coaching staff and executive management that sometimes colors squad selection and long term plans.
Dzyuba’s time with Lokomotiv stretched from 2023 into 2024, after which he moved to Akron Tolyatti in the summer of 2024. Since joining Akron, he has appeared in six matches, scoring one goal and providing three assists, adding to his reputation as a versatile forward who can contribute both goals and setup plays. In the Russian Premier League, he faced Zenit St. Petersburg in the 12th round, a match that ended in a 0–5 defeat for Lokomotiv. Dzyuba sustained an injury early in the game and was substituted in the 10th minute, with Gilson Benchimol entering the field in his place. The incident highlighted how quickly a season can pivot on a single unfortunate moment.
On November 3, Dzyuba returned to action in the game against Samara Wings of the Soviets and managed to score, contributing to a 2–0 victory. The following fixture against Spartak brought a different story; the team endured a 0–4 defeat, and the forward could not create decisive opportunities to shift the result. The contrasting performances in these matches reflected the ongoing challenge of sustaining a high level of impact across different opponents and competition formats.
Rumors and conversations circulated about past tensions at Lokomotiv, with some reports suggesting dissatisfaction toward the general director, Leonchenko. While the exact sources and phrasing remain informal, the broader narrative points to a club environment where leadership roles and personal relations intersect with contract negotiations and roster decisions. In the larger picture, these dynamics illustrate how business considerations, coaching strategies, and player form intertwine in the volatile world of Russian football, shaping career trajectories and financial outcomes alike.
Overall, the situation around Dzyuba reflects the realities many players face when incentive based contracts collide with form, fitness, and the strategic plans of a football club. The blend of on field contributions, publicized contract clauses, and internal club politics can significantly influence a player’s next steps and financial security, as teams weigh performance data against long term squad development and financial prudence.