Burak Yilmaz ponders a move to Russia

Turkish international striker Burak Yilmaz could finally leave home soil for a move to Russia’s Lokomotiv Moscow. Yilmaz netted 33 league goals this past season for Trabzonspor and scored the decisive goal in Turkey’s 1-0 home victory over Azerbaijan. He is a clinical finisher in front of net and has the ability to dribble around defenders to clear space for himself. His name was linked with clubs in Italy, England, and Spain. Lazio, Fulham, and Atletico Madrid all showed interest in the 26 year old forward. However, the most serious offer arrived from the top division in Russia. He even received an offer from 2011-2012 Turkish Super League champions Galatasaray. One of his closest friends off the field and former Trabzonspor team mate, Selcuk Inan, attempted to persuade him to join the Istanbul based club. The two connected for the Turkish international team in the game against Azerbaijan where Inan sent Yilmaz through who slotted home the winner. However, Yilmaz’s next step is to join a club that is outside of his country. Lokomotiv Moscow finished in fifth place behind the likes of Spartak Moscow, Dynamo Moscow, CSKA Moscow, and the champions, Zenit St. Petersburg. There was only an eight point gap between Lokomotiv and Zenit. The addition of Burak Yilmaz can give the Moscow based club a true finisher in front of net. Yilmaz doesn’t run back to help the defense too often which gives him more time to play where he is needed most, up top. He proved that this past season by netting 33 times in the regular season. Lokomotiv does have talent, and a fifth place finish proves that. By signing Yilmaz, they will have the chance to finish in the top four. Yilmaz should score at least 15 goals in his first season in Russia. Follow @AReySportsNews Tweet #TwitterStories