In somewhat of a surprise twist to the saga of where Franck Ribery will next lace up his boots, it appears the Frenchman could be headed to FC Lokomotiv Moscow. The league runner’s up and current Russian Super Cup holders look to bolster their attack by adding the 36 year old winger. After flirting with PSV Eindhoven and entertaining the idea of playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr FC, it appears he is set to ditch his desert wear for a nice warm parka instead.
There are many reasons why this move makes sense for Ribery, and a few why it doesn’t.
Lokomotiv made the Champions League group stage last year, and with their position in the Russian Premier League, he will get a chance to play there again this season, something that only PSV could offer. Lokomotiv doesn’t look to have many better options on the wing, so Ribery would likely get generous first team minutes, something only Al-Nassr could offer.
The only other factor here could be wages. Al-Nassr would be assumed to offer him very high wages should he join, but the prospect of playing in the Saudi Arabian Premier League justifiably doesn’t seem all that appealing. Lokomotiv should be able to offer him minutes, Champions League experience and a good wage, making this move kind of make perfect sense.