Highly rated FC Kuban striker Lacina Traore is to join Russian Premier League rivals Anzhi Makhachkala, both clubs said Friday.
The 21-year-old Ivorian finished the 2011-12 Premier League season with 18 goals in 39 matches for Dan Petrescu’s side, making him the division’s third-best scorer and has been the subject of heated transfer speculation.
"This decision was hard for us because the sale of Traore was the last on the list of our wishes," FC Kuban sporting director Sergei Doronchenko was quoted as saying by the club's website.
Anzhi confirmed the clubs had reached an agreement on the transfer, but there was no word from either on the length or value of the contract.
Kuban chief executive Suren Mkrtchyan told RIA Novosti in May the club was resigned to losing Traore, one of the Russian league's brightest prospects.
Anzhi finished fifth in the Russian Premier League in May, sealing a spot in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, and hope to go one better next term by targeting a Champions League spot.
Since billionaire owner Suleiman Kerimov took over in January 2011, Anzhi have recruited former Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink and signed top players including Samuel Eto’o and ex-Chelsea wing-back Yuri Zhirkov.
Kuban was the Premier League’s surprise package in 2011-12, finishing eighth in its first season since promotion back to the top flight.
