Branko Ilič follows Maicon

Shortly after the announcement of the signing of Maicon, Lokomotiv announced another signing. Unlike Aliev, Tarasov and the most recently Maicon, the rumour that Ilič could join Lokomotiv surfaced just yesterday. Actually Ilič was believed to have followed his former team mate Alexandr Sheshukov from FC Moscow to Spartak Moscow. It appears that this wasn't the case and apparently Lokomotiv pounced on the versatile Slovenian defender who can play both on the right and centre and also as a defensive midfielder. The 27 year old defender sign for 2 years. Branko chose the number 20.

Ilič, who have 36 Slovenian caps to his name started his career with his hometown club NK Olimpija Ljubljana. In January 2005 he left Olimpija to join NK Domžale. After helping Domžale outfit to claim the Slovenian Championship, Branko opted for a move overseas and joined Spanish club Real Betis on loan. After impressing for the Andalusian outfit, Real decided to make the move permanent and signed the Slovenian versatile for a transfer fee of €1.5 million. Although starting strongly, the Slovenian soon lost his place to new arrival Nelson and after Betis were relegated, in September Branko was loaned to FC Moscow for one season. In January, Ilič was permanently released from Betis and thus he resigned for FC Moscow, only to be soon released afterwards due to the Citizens withdrawal. Lokomotiv took advantage and signed the Slovenian on a free transfer.

I believe that the signature of Ilič is a good of piece of business. Apart of the fact that Ilič joined for free, the player's versatile will give us some much needed cover at the back, particularly on the flanks. With no cover for Kuzmin and Yanbaev I feared that as last season, Lokomotiv could suffer if one of the two would suffer an injury. In addition, with Rodolfo and Yefimov out of action for a while, Branko could be drafted in their place; who for sure will be a better move rather than moving Dujmovic to the back. Thus giving the circumstances I believe that Ilič is a great signing. The only drawback is that Branko is a Slovenian, and therefore a "legionnaire".

ALL THE BEST BRANKO!!!