Bulykin links up with Leverkusen

Former Russia centre forward Dmitri Bulykin has agreed to join German UEFA Cup contenders Bayer 04 Leverkusen on a free transfer from FC Dinamo Moskva.

Unfulfilled promise
The 27-year-old has committed to a one-season contract with the club as he looks to finally fulfil his potential in the Bundesliga after a frustrating spell with Dinamo. A graduate of the FC Lokomotiv Moskva academy, Bulykin made his first-team debut for the club as an 18-year-old and quickly graduated to the Russia Under-21 team. He won 15 senior caps for Russia, scoring seven goals - including one against eventual winners Greece at UEFA EURO 2004™ - but never quite fitted in after moving to Dinamo in 2001. The towering striker has been primarily used as a substitute in recent years, leaving the club with a record of 26 goals in 118 league games. Leverkusen start their UEFA Cup campaign in the first round and discover their opponents on Friday.