Lokomotiv Moscow Weighs Move for CSKA Defender Igor Diveev Amid Stalemate Over Contract
Lokomotiv Moscow has shown interest in CSKA defender Igor Diveev, who has yet to agree on a contract extension with his current club. This update comes from a telegraph channel report by journalist Ivan Karpov, who notes that Diveev is holding out for substantial terms before committing long term.
According to the report, Diveev is demanding annual earnings of €2.2 million, a figure that could complicate negotiations. The same source suggests CSKA may actively resist the idea of allowing a transfer, effectively blocking Diveev from leaving the army club. With such terms on the table, Lokomotiv’s chances of landing Diveev appear slim for the immediate future.
Beyond Diveev, Lokomotiv is prepared to widen its search in the international market. The club is revisiting the candidacy of Alexander Soldatenkov, who currently represents Wings of the Soviets in Samara. Soldatenkov could be acquired for around 120 million rubles, a price tag that makes the potential pursuit a calculated risk for the Green-Red squad.
Igor Diveev’s journey began in Ufa, where he made the move to CSKA in 2019. Initially, he joined on a loan, before CSKA decided to sign him to a full contract. At present, his deal with CSKA is due to expire in 2024, leaving him in a position where both player and club must weigh options as the market window opens again.
Diveev’s recent years have not been without setbacks. The 2022/23 Russian Premier League season was interrupted for him by a serious injury. In September 2022, the defender sustained a tibial fracture, sidelining him for several months. He did not participate in the autumn portion of the campaign but managed to return to action as the season resumed, signaling a recovery and a continued role for CSKA when fully fit.
In related remarks, Victor Mendez, a former Chilean player who spent time with CSKA Moscow, shared insights on what influenced his move to the Russian club. His reflections provide context on the dynamics that can attract international players to Moscow’s top-tier teams, including the factors that shape player decisions when negotiating terms and future prospects with Russian clubs.