Artem Dzyuba faces freedom as transfer window closes and questions loom over his next stop
Artem Dzyuba, the seasoned Russian forward, finds himself as a free agent with no club signed before the September 12 deadline. His contract with Lokomotiv Moscow ended on July 1, and as the transfer window closes, he has a two week period to explore new opportunities. Lokomotiv’s decision to part ways on May 31 created a twofold situation: a veteran striker seeking a new challenge and a club weighing roster needs and financial realities as the season approaches.
Rumors swirling in mid August pointed toward a possible move to Krylia Sovetov Samara. The chatter came from respected analyst Konstantin Genich, who suggested a deal could be on the table but has not been finalized or publicly confirmed. For supporters and observers, the prospect invites discussion on how Krylia Sovetov could incorporate a player of Dzyuba’s profile into its attacking plan, while weighing the team’s evolving tactics and squad development.
In the closing stretch of the previous season, Dzyuba left Lokomotiv Moscow after contributing across all competitions in 2023/24. He appeared in 26 matches, scoring four goals and adding four assists. Those numbers reflect his role as a target man who stabilizes the frontline and brings leadership to the locker room, rather than a player driven primarily by statistics. Lokomotiv finished fourth in the Russian Premier League, earning 53 points as part of a tight chase for European places and domestic prestige.
Throughout Russian football history, Dzyuba has left a lasting mark. He stands as the top scorer in the history of the national championship with 160 goals, placing him among the most prolific forwards the country has produced and underscoring his impact on club and national team campaigns across many seasons and competitions.
Earlier comments from Dzyuba touched on a controversial moment involving a clash with an Amkal player. He clarified that an incident occurred in which he struck an opponent, a detail that sparked dialogue about on field temper and the pressures attached to high stakes matches. The episode serves as a reminder of the emotional intensity that accompanies players at the highest level, especially those with long careers and memories forged in fierce domestic campaigns. [Source: contemporary football coverage and public statements regarding the incident]