Lokomotiv continue spree with Eshchenko signing

FC Lokomotiv Moskva have brought in defender Andrei Eshchenko on a three-and-a-half year deal from fellow Russian Premier League side FC Volga Nizhny Novgorod.

Eshchenko, 27, arrives for an undisclosed fee and joins fellow recent signings Maksim Grigoryev and Yan Tigorev as Lokomotiv continue to strengthen their squad during the winter break. He had moved to Volga in August after loan spells at FC Dinamo Moskva, FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk and FC Arsenal Kyiv during his time at FC Dynamo Kyiv.

Lokomotiv head scout Kirill Kotov expressed his delight at securing the full-back's services. "Eshchenko is one of the quickest wide players in the Russian league," he said. "He can cover both flanks and be useful not only in the defence but also in attack. Given that we have no cover for Roman Shishkin and Renat Yanbaev this season, we desperately needed another full-back."

The former Russian Under-21 international made 12 appearances for Volga this season and coach Dmitri Cheryshev admitted he is sad to see him leave. "It is a great pity that we have lost such a useful player," he said. "Andrei adapted quickly here and became a real engine of the team."

Lokomotiv, sixth in the extended Russian league season at the winter break, host Athletic Club in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 first leg on 16 February before the return in Bilbao a week later.