Lokomotiv lure Ivanov from Spartak

Andrei Ivanov is a Lokomotiv player. The former Spartak and Tom Tomsk player who recently have been heavily linked with Lokomotiv have put pen to paper with the red-green and signed a 3-year and a half contract. Although the fee wasn't disclosed, Russian media reported that Lokomotiv paid Spartak 2.5million euros for the services of the versatile full back yet left-back by trade. Ivanov shall be given his number during the upcoming days.

Upon being presented by the red-green shirt, Andrei Ivanov stated that he decided to join Lokomotiv for two main reasons being the opportunity to work along Yury Krasnozhan and the opportunity to join a club of the stature of Lokomotiv. He continued by outlining the fact that while he is grateful to his former side management, it's not the first time for him to be at Lokomotiv. This is because prior to wearing the Saturn and Spartak colours, Andrei Ivanov played in various youth squads of Lokomotiv. He ended his brief interview by declaring that he is looking forward to line-up with Tarasov, Shishkin and Torbinsky, players he used to play with when all four were at Spartak Moscow.

Andrei Ivanov made his Premier League debut for Spartak in 2006. After making an additional 22 league appearances, 1 cup appearance and 3 Champions League appearances, the player decided to move to Tom in order to gather some first team experience. While in 2008 he managed to appear 19 times, Andrei Ivanov performances improved greatly in 2010 and thus it was no surprise that Spartak recalled him back midway the season of 2010. Eventually this resulted to be his last stint with the Meat as after making an additional 12 league and 2 Champions League appearances, the Moscow born defender crossed Moscow and joined Lokomotiv.

Although I am rarely in favour of signing player from rivals especially from Spartak Moscow, I must say that given the various factors such as age, experience and fee, the transfer is a good one for Lokomotiv. Apart from giving us options on the flanks, Ivanov can provide a good competition to both Yanbaev and Shishkin, which is something which we have been lacking for the recent seasons. Well done!!

ALL THE BEST IVANOV!!!