Baku: President of Turkish premier league football club Galatasaray, Dursun Ozbek, confirmed that the team has acquired Russian midfielder Alexey Batrakov, TASS reported citing Fanatik daily.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Turkish sports journalist Yakup Cinar reported earlier that the Russian footballer was expected to arrive in Istanbul on August 18. Another Turkish sports journalist, Ertan Suzgun, later mentioned that Galatasaray FC was in the process of finalizing the details of Batrakov's transfer.

The reports indicate that Galatasaray's offer exceeded 30 million Euros, approximately $34.7 million. Various media sources suggest that the Russian footballer is expected to be officially announced as a member of Galatasaray FC either on August 19 or 20.

"Our scouts say we're getting the best player money can buy," Fanatik quoted Ozbek as saying. "Our coach really likes him too."

Ozbek further added, "Everyone will see what a top-tier player we've brought on."

Batrakov, 21, previously played for Russia's Lokomotiv FC since 2024. He appeared in 84 matches for the club at various levels, scoring 34 goals and providing 23 assists. He was recognized as the best young player of Russia's top-tier league, the Russian Premier League, over the past two seasons. This season, he appeared in five matches, notching one goal and one assist.

Additionally, Batrakov played for the Russian national football team, recording four goals and three assists in his 12-match appearance.