A move to Premier League giants Manchester United is ‘not possible’ this summer for Lokomotiv Moscow starlet Sergey Pinyaev, former Russia international Dimitri Bulykin explains.
United’s admiration for one of Russian football’s rising stars has been the subject of much discussion back home. Pinyaev once had a trial at the Old Trafford outfit, described a potential move as a ‘dream’ (Man Utd Zone).
It is believed that Man United were still keeping tabs on 18-year-old as recently as 12 months ago too.
But, despite opening his international account during Russia’s 2-0 win over an Iraq side boasting Zidane Iqbal, Pinyaev may be left disappointed if he hopes to make ‘dream’ switch a reality in the coming months.
Russia ace Sergey Pinyaev dreams of playing for Manchester United
“Pinyaev constantly travels abroad for internships at clubs, so he knows and is aware of what foreign football is,” former Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen striker Bulykin tells MetaRatings.
“But, given the problems of football players with Russian citizenship, it will be difficult for him to leave.”
Bulykin believes that, due to the ongoing political landscape, Premier League clubs may have reservations about bringing in a player with a ‘Russian passport’ during the upcoming transfer window.
“For now, Sergei needs to stay and get stronger in the RPL,” Bulykin adds. “It is unlikely that Pinyaev will leave to play abroad this summer. But, in a season, it is possible. This is what you should strive for.
“Could Sergei go to Manchester United in the future, given that the club has already looked after him? With Pinyaev’s Russian passport, such a transfer is not possible. It will be difficult to move to any European club, especially to England.”
Former Manchester United winger Andrei Kanchelskis shares Bulykin’s pessimism. At least, with five goals and three assists for Lokomotiv Moscow already this season and a first international strike under his belt too, the future still looks bright for one of Russia’s most exciting attacking talents since a certain Andrey Arshavin.
“Pinyaev resembles Arshavin. He is just as diminutive, with dribbling ability,” Bulykin explains. “But Andrei scored and played in many places. If Sergei repeats this, it will be great. But I would like him to perform better than Arshavin and shine stronger.”