Anton Miranchuk and Rifat Zhemaletdinov are set to depart Lokomotiv Moscow after the 2023/24 campaign concludes. This plan was confirmed by Vadim Shpinev, the players’ representative, who spoke with Sports Express about the current situation and the next steps for his clients. The agent noted that talks had already taken place with Lokomotiv’s leadership before the season wrapped, outlining the club’s present position and gathering input from the players about their expectations. He emphasized that a formal decision would follow a thorough review of all available options and promised to share further details as soon as they become available.
Zhemaletdinov came through Lokomotiv’s academy and has spent almost his entire professional career with the railway club. He did have a spell with Rubin Kazan from 2016 to 2018, but his career has mainly unfolded in Moscow. In the 2023/24 season, he appeared in 26 matches across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing one assist. That tally showcases his willingness to take on attacking responsibilities and to push the team forward when required. His long association with Lokomotiv makes this departure a significant moment for the club and its supporters as they consider the next era for the squad.
Miranchuk has been part of Lokomotiv’s system since 2011, growing from a developing youngster into a more influential player. A brief loan stint away from Lokomotiv occurred in 2016 when he joined Estonia’s Levadia, a period that broadened his experience and helped shape his versatility. In the most recent season, he appeared in 38 matches across all competitions, tallying eight goals and seven assists. Such productivity reflects his adaptability in multiple attacking roles and his capacity to contribute in build‑up play as well as in finishing opportunities for teammates. The decision to move on closes a long chapter in Miranchuk’s Lokomotiv career and raises questions about how the club will fill the creative and goal scoring gaps he leaves behind.
Lokomotiv Moscow ended the season in fourth place in the Russian Premier League, a respectable finish that highlighted competitive consistency yet left room for adjustment as the team eyes the future. The departure of two established players at a time when the squad is evaluating its tactical options points to a possible retooling phase. The club will be weighing how to maintain balance between veteran presence and younger talents while pursuing improved performances in domestic leagues and European competition. Fans and analysts will closely monitor the strategic direction Lokomotiv chooses in the upcoming transfer window.
There is an added layer to the discussion, given the broader context of player development and market opportunities across Russian football. The shift involving Miranchuk and Zhemaletdinov mirrors a cycle seen at many clubs as they navigate squad turnover, contract considerations, and evolving dynamics of player value. For supporters in Canada and the United States, the story resonates as a familiar pattern: clubs recalibrate after a season, weighing loyalty against the lure of new challenges and the need to stay competitive on a growing global stage. In that sense, the updates from Lokomotiv’s leadership and the representation of the players provide insight into how European clubs manage transitions while striving to preserve a club’s identity and competitive edge.
Looking ahead, both players will weigh options with a view to maximizing playing time, development opportunities, and the chance to contribute to teams pursuing higher ambitions. The agent’s statements underscore a careful, measured approach to this transition, with a clear intention to keep all parties informed as information emerges. Until then, the focus remains on their recent contributions, the memories created during their time at Lokomotiv, and the potential for new chapters that could unfold in different leagues or configurations. The club’s leadership will continue evaluating its roster, aligning tactical plans with the evolving landscape of the Russian Premier League and beyond, while supporters await formal news about the next steps for Miranchuk and Zhemaletdinov.