Russian club FC Lokomotiv Moscow have today permanently signed Portuguese striker Éder from LOSC Lille. Éder’s promising performances throughout his recently expired loan deal with Lokomotiv convinced the Russian side to sign him permanently. The newest member of the capital club has signed on until 2020, and will be hoping to make an immediate impact in a league that he has already tested himself in.

While Éder’s move seems encouraging for Lokomotiv, it was not the best bit of business from Lille. Les Dogues will be disappointed to have gotten just a fraction of their initial investment back, with Éder joining Lokomotiv for €1m after signing with Lille for €4.5m just two years ago.  However, the arrival of Loïc Rémy in Lille would have severely diminished Éder’s role in the first team. All things considered, receiving €1m for an aging striker who scored just four goals last season is good news for Lille, a club shrouded by financial concerns.

In the official press release announcing the departure of Éder, Les Dogues wished their Russia-bound striker well in the red and green of Lokomotiv Moscow. While the Portuguese hero may never reach the same level he did at the European Championships of 2016, Éder can surely play a key role in Lokomotiv’s efforts to retain the Russian Premier League title this coming season.

G.M.