Russian clubs keep low profile in transfer market

MOSCOW: After Russia crashed out of the European championships in the group stages, the majority of the country’s Premier League clubs have been showing equally modest activity in the transfer market.

Reigning champions CSKA Moscow, who have lost their Nigerian forward Ahmed Musa to English champions Leicester City, have taken lanky Monaco forward Lacina Traore on loan.

The 25-year-old striker, nicknamed the “Gentle Giant” because of his twometre frame and who played in the Russian league with Kuban Krasnodar in 2011-12 and Anzhi Makhachkala in 2012-13, said he was happy to join the Red Army side.

“I’m happy to become a CSKA player,” the Ivory Coast international told the Moscow club’s website.

“I have already played in this league and saw that CSKA set the tone here. Hopefully our cooperation will be fruitful.”

Meanwhile, after Brazilian striker Hulk parted his ways with four-time Russian champions Zenit St Petersburg, the club that finished third last season in the Premier League tried to fill the gap caused by that huge loss.

On Friday, Zenit signed Slovakian international midfielder Robert Mak on a four-year deal with just a week remaining before the new domestic league season starts.

The 25-year-old Mak, who has scored seven goals in 30 matches with Slovakia’s national side, said he was happy to become a member of the squad.

“I’m full of emotions,” said Mak. “Zenit is one of the biggest clubs in Russia and Europe. I’m looking forward to joining my new team.”

On Saturday, Russian Cup winners Zenit will face reigning league champions CSKA Moscow in the Russian Super Cup.

On Thursday, Rubin Kazan, the club from the capital of Russia’s republic of Tatarstan, completed their eighth transfer since Spaniard Javi Gracia took over the club in May.

They signed former Arsenal and Barcelona midfielder Alex Song of Cameroon.