Chelsea and Manchester United to Scout Aleksey Batrakov as Premier League Interest Grows
Chelsea and Manchester United are preparing to assess Galatasaray midfielder Aleksey Batrakov in person, with the Russian expected to feature against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League later this month. Both clubs are considering ways to strengthen their attacking options next year and view the 21-year-old as a potential addition.
The Premier League sides have tracked Batrakov for some time. They were unable to pursue a move during the summer, but his switch to Turkey has given them a fresh opportunity to watch his development closely. A strong performance against Barcelona could help determine whether their interest develops into a concrete transfer pursuit.
Batrakov emerged through the youth system at Lokomotiv Moscow, the club where he progressed from academy football into the senior team. Born in Orekhovo-Zuyevo, near Moscow, he established himself as one of Russia’s most promising young attacking players through his vision, movement and ability to contribute directly to goals.
His 2025/26 campaign was particularly productive. Across 36 appearances in all competitions, he scored 17 times and supplied 12 assists. Those figures attracted attention from several prominent clubs, with Galatasaray ultimately securing his services during the summer. Since arriving in Turkey, Batrakov has made five appearances and registered an assist.
Chelsea’s interest fits the club’s established focus on recruiting young players with room to develop. Under Xabi Alonso, the Blues have used a 3-4-2-1 formation, in which Batrakov could compete for a position in the pair of attacking roles behind the striker. Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer are among the players occupying those areas, so any newcomer would face significant competition.
Batrakov’s versatility could make him more appealing to Chelsea. He is capable of operating in wide positions as well as in a central creative role, and his adaptability may offer another option at right wing-back. Whether that position would suit him over the long term is a separate question, but the ability to cover more than one area can be valuable across a demanding season.
Manchester United’s potential interest is shaped by a different concern. Bruno Fernandes remains central to the team, yet the club must consider how to plan for the period beyond the captain’s peak years. Batrakov would not necessarily be expected to replace Fernandes immediately, but United could view him as a player to develop into a longer-term creative presence.
The upcoming match offers scouts a useful test. Facing Barcelona would expose Batrakov to a high-intensity European contest and give the clubs a chance to examine how he performs under pressure, finds space against a strong opponent and contributes when his team has less possession. His overall influence may matter as much as goals or assists.
There are also practical questions for any interested club to weigh. Batrakov has only recently joined Galatasaray, and the Turkish champions may be reluctant to let him leave quickly. His early performances in Turkey, his ability to adjust to a new league and the terms of his contract could all shape the scale and timing of any possible bid.
Paris Saint-Germain had also been linked with the midfielder before Galatasaray completed the transfer. Renewed attention from Chelsea and Manchester United underlines how quickly his profile has risen, but scouting interest does not guarantee a formal offer. Both clubs are expected to continue assessing his progress before deciding whether to act.
For now, Batrakov’s immediate task is to establish himself at Galatasaray. Consistent performances in domestic and European competition would strengthen his case for a move to England, while also giving his current club reason to value him highly. His display against Barcelona may provide another important indication of how ready he is for the next step.