Naumov Advises Against Karpukas' Zenit Transfer

Nikolay Naumov warns Artem Karpukas against joining Zenit, fearing career stagnation.

Former Lokomotiv Moscow president Nikolay Naumov has voiced his concerns over Zenit's interest in their midfielder Artem Karpukas. Naumov believes that a move to Zenit could be a significant mistake for Karpukas, citing past examples of players like Ilzat Akhmetov and Viktor Kovalenko. He argues that while Zenit could offer better financial terms and titles, staying at Lokomotiv would provide Karpukas with more playing time, crucial for his development and potential move to European clubs. "The decision is up to Karpukas—does he want titles now or a broader career later?" Naumov told a Championship correspondent, Egor Kabak.