Lokomotiv snap up Samedov
Friday, July 22, 2005
Article summary
FC Lokomotiv Moskva have signed Russia Under-21 midfielder Aleksandr Samedov from FC Spartak Moskva.
Article body
Controversial move
The 21-year-old, a product of Spartak's prolific football academy, has been playing for the senior team since his debut in 2002. Last season he made 29 appearances, scoring six goals, as well as his debut for the Russia U21s, but the player reportedly wanted to leave following the signing of Vladimir Bystrov.
Coach downbeat
Spartak coach Aleksandrs Starkovs said: "I am very sad to see Samedov leave Spartak. We felt the team's future lay with him but he has decided to go." The €3.3m arrival of right-sided Russian international Bystrov last month from FC Zenit St. Petersburg had led to uncertainty over the future of Samedov, who plays in the same position.
European start
Lokomotiv get their UEFA Champions League campaign under way next Wednesday when they travel to FK Rabotnicki of F.Y.R. Macedonia. The Russian champions will complete the second qualifying round tie with the return leg in Moscow on 3 August.