An interview featuring Vadim Shpinev, the agent handling Lokomotiv Moscow players Anton Miranchuk and Rifat Zhemaletdinov, sheds light on contract renewal discussions with the club. The discussion, conducted by journalist Sevastian Terletsky, focused on the current state of negotiations and what might come next for the two athletes.
According to Shpinev, the overall situation is positive and stable. He emphasized that there are no significant obstacles at the moment, and that things are moving forward smoothly. When asked about the possibility of extending both players’ contracts, he offered a cautious but hopeful outlook, suggesting that negotiations could lead to renewed terms. He also clarified that there is no personal relationship with the club’s general manager, Leonchenko, noting that matters of business are kept professional and straightforward. The agent described interactions as neutral rather than emotional, underscoring a professional approach to all talks.
Both Miranchuk and Zhemaletdinov are integral members of Lokomotiv and are often described as players who have grown within the club’s system. Miranchuk’s career path included a loan spell with Levadia Tallinn in 2016, providing early exposure to top-tier competition outside Russia. Zhemaletdinov, meanwhile, joined Lokomotiv after a stint with Rubin Kazan from 2016 to 2018, returning to the Moscow side where he continued to develop his game. These experiences have contributed to their growth and value within the squad.
On the field this season, Miranchuk has featured in nine Russian Premier League matches, contributing two goals and two assists. Zhemaletdinov has appeared in six league games and has scored once, signaling their continued importance in Lokomotiv’s attacking plans. Their performances have helped the team maintain a competitive position in the standings, with Lokomotiv currently sharing second place in the league table after ten rounds, tied with Krylia Sovetov Samara on eighteen points. The upcoming fixture against Spartak on October 1 looms large as a key test for the squad’s consistency and depth.
There has been prior speculation about Miranchuk’s potential return to Russia, a topic that has circulated in relation to various transfer windows. Shpinev did not rule out the possibility entirely, but he described the negotiation process as focused on the players’ best interests and the club’s long-term plans. The broader context remains that Miranchuk and Zhemaletdinov are seen by Lokomotiv as important assets, both in terms of immediate impact and future potential. Their continued development is viewed as essential to sustaining the club’s performance in a competitive league environment.