Flick Praises Galatasaray Midfielder Batrakov Amid Transfer Interest

Galatasaray midfielder Aleksey Batrakov has received public recognition from Barcelona coach Hansi Flick ahead of their UEFA Champions League meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, in Istanbul, Turkey. The 21-year-old Russian international, who joined the Turkish club from Lokomotiv Moscow during the summer, has attracted attention from major European clubs while pursuing his ambition of eventually playing for Barcelona. Flick praised Batrakov's performances during a pre-match press conference, acknowledging the young midfielder's ability and ambitions.

According to Get Football News Spain and Yahoo Sports, the Barcelona coach had watched several of the player's matches before their European encounter. "I've seen many games, and after the last one, I have to say he's a great player," said Flick, Barcelona's head coach.

Batrakov has made five appearances in the Turkish Süper Lig since joining Galatasaray, according to Get Football News Spain. He also contributed an assist during the team's 3-1 victory over Kasımpaşa on Friday, October 9, delivering a performance that strengthened his standing at the Istanbul club.

The midfielder has recorded two assists across his last three games, according to FootballTransfers. His recent contributions have come as Galatasaray seek to establish momentum following the early stages of their domestic campaign. Flick also addressed Batrakov's publicly expressed ambition to play for Barcelona. The German coach acknowledged that young players with ability could aspire to represent leading European teams.

"If you're young and talented, why not dream? We have to try everything," said Flick. Batrakov moved to Galatasaray from Lokomotiv Moscow during the summer after attracting interest from several European clubs. FootballTransfers reported that the Turkish side paid €25 million for the midfielder, who became a prominent addition to its squad after the club failed to secure Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

The Russian international had previously been linked with several Premier League teams and Paris Saint-Germain. According to FootballTransfers, Chelsea and Manchester United increased their scouting attention after his move to Turkey, with both clubs monitoring his development. His nationality and the restrictions associated with Russia's invasion of Ukraine could complicate a potential move to England.

FootballTransfers reported that sanctions affecting financial transactions with Russian clubs had created obstacles to transfers directly from Lokomotiv Moscow, although a move from Galatasaray could present a different route. A transfer to the United Kingdom would still require Batrakov to obtain the necessary work authorization and permission to reside in the country. FootballTransfers cited the case of Arsen Zakharyan, a former Dynamo Moscow player who moved to Spain in 2023, as an example of the administrative difficulties Russian footballers can encounter when traveling to the UK.

The report identified Zakharyan and Matvey Safonov, who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Krasnodar in 2024, as two prominent Russian players who had secured moves to major European leagues following the invasion of Ukraine. FootballTransfers suggested that France or Spain could offer Batrakov more practical alternatives to the Premier League while the restrictions remain in place.

For now, Batrakov remains a Galatasaray player, with his performances in Turkey attracting attention from prospective European suitors. His meeting with Barcelona on Tuesday provides another opportunity for the midfielder to compete against a club he has identified as a long-term ambition.