Alexander Bubnov, a former football figure who played alongside Artem Dzyuba, comments on the recent career moves surrounding the forward who left Lokomotiv Moscow and is expected to join Zenit St. Petersburg. Bubnov notes that Dzyuba showed solid form during his time in St. Petersburg and believes the chapter at Zenit could have extended his playing days. He recalls a time when Artem’s performance there hinted at potential for a longer stay in Russia, and suggests that a smart move can still shape a player’s trajectory even later in a career.
According to Bubnov, Dzyuba performed admirably while with Zenit, a period that many fans still remember fondly. Bubnov also reflects on how the player considered continuing his career at that earlier juncture, but circumstances led him to seek opportunities elsewhere. In Bubnov’s view, the transition to Turkey and the subsequent turn of events demonstrated how a player’s fortunes can swing, particularly when a club decision intersects with shifting form and fitness. When Artem joined Lokomotiv, Bubnov notes that the forward began to experience a noticeable slowdown, which influenced long-term plans for both player and club.
Dzyuba’s contract with Lokomotiv Moscow expired at the close of the 2023/24 season. Reports indicate the renewal was not automatic because the forward did not meet specific performance-related criteria that had been established in the agreement. This development marked a turning point in Dzyuba’s club career as Lokomotiv evaluated next steps in light of squad needs and league competition.
In the 2023/24 campaign, the 35-year-old striker appeared in 26 official matches across all competitions, contributing four goals and four assists. Lokomotiv finished the season fourth in the Russian Premier League standings, accumulating 53 points and signaling a competitive but challenging year for the club as it aimed to maintain its position among Russia’s top teams.
Artem Dzyuba’s journey to Lokomotiv began in February 2023, following a period when he was without a club after parting ways with Adana Demirspor in Turkey. The move to Moscow came at a time when the player was actively seeking a fresh environment to continue competing at a high level. His arrival added experience and leadership to Lokomotiv’s attack, even as the team navigated the demands of a demanding domestic schedule and European aspirations.
Earlier chapters of Dzyuba’s career included periods of strong form and important contributions for his clubs, alongside moments that tested his consistency. Lokomotiv, for its part, relied on the veteran presence to steer and mentor younger forwards while maintaining a competitive edge in the league. The evolving landscape of Russian football during that period showed how veteran players could still influence results and provide value beyond mere statistics.
As the landscape shifts, the focus remains on Artem Dzyuba’s ability to adapt and redefine his role within a potential new squad. The narrative highlights the broader pattern seen with many seasoned forwards: a blend of experience, leadership, and occasional shifts in pace or fit that influence contract decisions and future opportunities. In the eyes of observers, Dzyuba’s career trajectory reflects resilience and a willingness to explore constructive options in pursuit of continued top-level football.
Overall, Dzyuba’s time at Lokomotiv leaves a record of solidity in appearances and contributions, paired with the typical fluctuations that accompany a long professional career. The discussions around his contractual status and potential next steps emphasize the practical realities of modern football, where performance metrics, team chemistry, and strategic planning converge to shape a player’s path forward. For fans and analysts alike, the episode reinforces the importance of keeping a close watch on transition periods, as they often herald new chapters in a player’s unfolding story.