Lokomotiv Moscow Eyes a New Direction for Ivan Ignatiev
Lokomotiv Moscow is not planning to renew the contract of striker Ivan Ignatiev. The decision, reported by Sport Express, marks a turning point for the 24-year-old forward, whose current one-season deal with the railway workers runs through this year after signing in the summer of 2022 with an optional extension for two more seasons.
During the 2022/23 campaign, Ignatiev appeared in 21 matches across all competitions, tallying four goals and delivering two assists. His move to Lokomotiv Moscow came after a mutual decision to terminate his deal with Rubin Kazan, a transfer arranged for a change of scenery in the capital. The Kazan club and the player agreed to part ways by mutual consent, paving the way for Ignatiev to join Lokomotiv in Moscow.
The striker has been part of a club from Kazan since 2019, with Rubin Kazan holding a contract that ran through the summer of 2024. In the previous season, Ignatiev made 30 appearances for Rubin and found the net four times. His path before Rubin includes a stint with Krasnodar, where he earned recognition as the top scorer in the UEFA Youth League during the 2017/18 season. His early career also featured appearances for Russia at the youth level, where he represented the national team in nine matches, contributing to his growing reputation as a promising forward.
Industry observers note Ignatiev’s development trajectory, highlighting his steady contributions in domestic leagues and youth international experience. His versatility as a forward has been on display through his ability to contribute goals and create opportunities for teammates, a skill set that attracted attention from clubs in higher-profile competitions. While the current contract with Lokomotiv Moscow is not being renewed, the club’s decision leaves Ignatiev at a crossroads, with potential offers likely to emphasize his pace, finishing instincts, and tactical awareness as a central striker or secondary striker in schemes that rely on quick transitions and intelligent movement off the ball.
Within Lokomotiv Moscow, the decision to move on from Ignatiev reflects a broader strategic shift, one focused on renewing the squad with players who can deliver immediate impact while also building depth for the long season ahead. The club remains committed to evaluating its options in the forward line, weighing factors such as age, injury history, and compatibility with the coach’s tactical plan. The outlook for the player, in this context, will depend on the next steps taken by clubs looking for an experienced attacker who can adapt to different systems and contribute under pressure in both domestic and European matches.
Meanwhile, Nikolai Naumov, the former head of Lokomotiv Moscow, indicated that it is unlikely the railway club will offer Artem Dziuba a fresh, long-term contract. This assessment signals a broader reshaping of the club’s forward lineup as management reviews options for the upcoming season and beyond. The situation underscores how clubs regularly reassess their attacking resources, balancing youth development with proven performance to sustain competitive momentum.