Georgiy Dzhikiya terminates Antalyaspor contract, set for free transfer to Lokomotiv Moscow

Russian defender Georgiy Dzhikiya has agreed to terminate his contract with Turkish club Antalyaspor by mutual consent, making him a free agent and paving the way for a return to Lokomotiv Moscow, according to multiple sources. The 32-year-old former Spartak Moscow captain, who began his career in Lokomotiv's youth system, is expected to join the Moscow club on a free transfer after negotiations with Antalyaspor management.

Dzhikiya's agent, Malik Arutyunov, who specializes in the Turkish transfer market, confirmed the contract termination on June 23, 2026, stating: "By mutual agreement, Georgiy Dzhikiya and Antalyaspor have terminated the contract. The team was relegated, he still had a year left on his contract. Georgiy did not want to play in the Turkish First League, even though it is very strong. Dzhikiya refused his salary for the next season. The arrears of several months will be closed soon." Arutyunov added that Dzhikiya is now a free agent, but declined to comment on a move to Lokomotiv, saying: "Regarding Lokomotiv, I know nothing. It's better to ask Georgiy himself."

Reports from Telegram channel "Mutko Protiv" and other Russian sports media indicate that Dzhikiya has already agreed to personal terms with Lokomotiv Moscow, where he will earn approximately 3 million rubles per month plus bonuses — roughly ten times less than his salary at Spartak Moscow, where he played from 2017 to 2024. The defender, who has 44 caps for the Russian national team, is expected to undergo a medical examination for the move in the coming days.

Dzhikiya joined Antalyaspor in 2025 but made only 17 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig last season, scoring two goals. His move comes after Antalyaspor was relegated, and Dzhikiya reportedly faced persistent salary delays. The defender previously played for Russian clubs Amkar Perm, Spartak Moscow, and Khimki, and began his professional career at Lokomotiv's feeder team before moving to Spartak Nalchik in 2014.