Russian midfielder Marat Izmailov will continue the Portuguese stage of his career, moving from Sporting to their biggest rivals, FC Porto.

A Bola newspaper reports that Izmailov has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the reigning Portuguese champions, Porto.

No further details have been revealed, but it’s known that Sporting acquired Porto’s midfielder Miguel Lopes as part of the deal.

Izmailov moved to Sporting from Lokomotiv Moscow back in 2007, scoring 13 goals in 18 appearances for the club since then.

But the Lisbon side had to part with one of their key players as they couldn’t pay the Russian his high salary due to budget cuts.

Izmailov is known for great dribbling skills and ability to score from long range, but exposure to injuries has prevented him from using his talent to the full.

The 30-year-old was in Russia’s squad for its failed Euro 2012 campaign, coming into the game as a sub on two occasions.

Russian team player Marat Izmailov in a group stage European Football Championship match between teams of Poland and Russia. (RIA Novosti/Vladimir Pesnya)

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