Former Nigeria defender Brian Idowu backs Russia goalkeeper to become Krasnodar’s next export

Former Nigeria international Brian Idowu has identified Russia goalkeeper Stanislav Agkatsev as the next Krasnodar player capable of securing a move to a foreign league.

Idowu believes the 24-year-old shot-stopper could be the latest product of the Russian club to take the next step in his career away from the domestic game.

The former Super Eagles left-back made the prediction while discussing the talented players emerging from Krasnodar’s academy, with Agkatsev standing out as his clear choice for a potential overseas move.

“Stanislav Agkatsev. Visually, it looks like he’s the next one in line to move abroad,” Idowu was quoted as saying by football.kulichki.

Agkatsev has established himself as an important figure for Krasnodar and has also earned recognition at international level with Russia.

Idowu, who was born in St Petersburg, knows the Russian football landscape well after spending much of his professional career in the country.

Idowu’s Russian experience backs his assessment

The 33-year-old former defender made 181 appearances in the Russian Premier League during spells with Amkar Perm, Lokomotiv Moscow and Khimki.

His most prominent international moment came at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, which was staged in Russia, his country of birth.

Despite representing Nigeria at senior level, Idowu returned to his birthplace for the tournament and started all three of the Super Eagles’ group matches.

He featured against Croatia, Iceland and Argentina as Nigeria competed in Group D, giving him first-hand experience of playing on the biggest stage.

His long spell in Russian football also means Idowu has had an extensive view of the country’s emerging talent, making his assessment of Agkatsev notable.

However, Idowu stopped short of suggesting that an overseas transfer was guaranteed for the goalkeeper and acknowledged that Krasnodar’s outfield players could also attract interest.

“Well, we’ll see what happens next; maybe an interesting offer will emerge for one of the Bulls’ outfield players.”

Agkatsev in line for Nigeria test

Agkatsev could have an opportunity to further enhance his profile when Russia face Nigeria in an international friendly on Tuesday evening.

The match will be played at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium in Nizhny Novgorod, where the goalkeeper will hope to feature against the Super Eagles.

He was, however, an unused substitute in Russia’s most recent friendly against Iran, with Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Matvey Safonov selected ahead of him by head coach Valeriy Karpin.

The competition for the goalkeeper position means Agkatsev will have to wait for his opportunity, but a strong performance against Nigeria could provide another platform to demonstrate his ability.

At 24, he remains at an age where a move outside Russia could represent a significant development in his career.

For now, Krasnodar remain his club, but Idowu has already identified Agkatsev as the player most likely to follow the growing path from the Kuban academy to football abroad.