The head coach of Wings of the Soviets, Igor Osinkin, spoke about the club’s pursuit of Magomed Ozdoev, signaling that the midfielder’s price tag remains a hurdle for Samara. He conveyed uncertainty about any serious negotiations, noting the wide gap between Ozdoev’s earnings at his current club and what Wings could realistically offer. Osinkin emphasized that the reported figures in the press over the past days did not reflect the club’s financial reality, and that a match with Ozdoev’s current terms would be impossible for Wings at this moment.
Earlier reporting had suggested that Krylia Sovetov was keen on Ozdoev, with chatter about a possible transfer being floated in the media. The coach clarified that there had been discussions or inquiries, but the scale of compensation and the annual salary involved differed greatly from Wings’ capabilities. The gist from Osinkin was plain: any potential move would require a level of investment far beyond what Wings could contemplate under their current wage structure.
The transfer window carried fresh developments regarding Ozdoev. On August 7, the midfielder left Fatih Karagümrük in Turkey and joined PAOK in Greece. In the buildup to this move, there were reports that Wings of the Soviets were prepared to offer the Turkish club around one million euros to secure Ozdoev’s services, with the player reportedly earning around 50 million rubles per year. Those numbers were widely discussed among fans and analysts, fueling discussions about whether Wings would be able to compete for a player of Ozdoev’s caliber.
In the 2022/23 season, Ozdoev made 34 appearances for Fatih Karagümrük, contributing five goals. His on-field performance also included a debut for his new club in a Conference League third qualifying round match against Hajduk Split from Croatia, which finished in a goalless draw. The competition provided a stage for Ozdoev to showcase his talent as he integrated into a new tactical environment and club culture, after which PAOK took ownership of his services.
Since 2014, Ozdoev has been part of the Russian national team setup. Across his international career, he has accumulated more than 30 appearances for his country, contributing on several occasions in major qualifiers and friendlies. The evolving narrative around his professional path has continually sparked discussions about his role in national duties and how a potential club switch could affect his availability for the Russian squad.
As observers await further words from PAOK’s coaching staff, the question remains how Ozdoev will adapt to life at a new club and league, and which negotiating parties will emerge as the most serious contenders. One fact remains clear: the move involves substantial financial considerations, and any decision will have to balance competitive ambitions with the realities of player wages and club budgets. For Wings of the Soviets, the situation underscores the broader challenge many clubs face when courting high-profile midfielders from abroad, where talent, form, and financial terms must align before a transfer materializes.