The Moscow locomotive captain Dmitry Barinov spoke with clear ambition about his future, even as he extended his stay with Lokomotiv. He reiterated that his European dream remains alive, despite the new three-year contract that keeps him at the club for the foreseeable future.
Barinov told Sport Express that the European stage still calls to him and that the contract extension does not silence that longing. He emphasized the desire to challenge himself at a higher level and continue his professional growth beyond domestic competition.
A product of the Lokomotiv Academy, Barinov has been part of the Moscow club since 2015. Over that period, he has appeared in 141 Russian Premier League matches, contributing to the team’s consistency and competitive spirit. His leadership on the field helped Lokomotiv clinch the Russian championship in the 2017/18 season, and he has also added three Russian Cup triumphs to his accolades with the team. The journey through Lokomotiv’s ranks showcases his commitment to the club and his evolution as a midfielder who can influence both defense and attack.
During the mid-season transfer window, Beşiktaş expressed serious interest in Barinov, highlighting his rising profile beyond Russia. Negotiations did not result in a move, as the two clubs could not settle on a transfer fee. The episode underscored the player’s desirability abroad and Lokomotiv’s willingness to retain him in the short term while he continues to develop and contribute at the highest level in Russia.
Later, reports confirmed that Barinov had extended his contract with Lokomotiv for three more years, signaling a mutual commitment to competitive ambitions and long-term planning. The decision reinforced the club’s core around which younger players could grow, while giving Barinov a stable platform to continue pursuing his European goals in a familiar environment.
This development came as a reminder of the tight-knit nature of the squad and the value placed on players who have risen through Lokomotiv’s academy and earned their place in the first team.
In related context, former Lokomotiv striker François Camano commented that the club could experience a quieter off-season if the current squad maintains its core and continues to blend youth with experience. Camano has been with Lokomotiv since the summer of 2020, and his reflections point to a period of continuity rather than wholesale changes. The balance between retaining key contributors and integrating new talent remains a focal point for the club as it plans ahead for domestic campaigns and potential European adventures.