Dmitry Barinov's contract with Lokomotiv is approaching its end in the summer of 2026. Former Lokomotiv president Olga Smorodskaya urged the club to extend his contract, emphasizing his importance to the team. Barinov's agent, Pavel Banatin, mentioned that the club has not started negotiations for a new agreement. There is reported interest from the Greek club AEK in the Russian national team player.

Agent Pavel Banatin, representing Dmitry Barinov, stated that Lokomotiv Moscow did not consider the offers from AEK for the player. There was a specific discussion at the agent-club level with AEK's sports director Ribalta, who also spoke with Lokomotiv's management about their interest in Dmitry's transfer. Although there was a prior agreement with Lokomotiv's management that they would consider offers from European clubs around €2 million that would satisfy the player, they did not follow through.

Dmitry Barinov mentioned that AEK's head coach, Marko Nikolic, showed interest in him. However, Barinov stated that he cannot agree to a contract with AEK as he is currently contracted with Lokomotiv. Nikolic, who previously coached Lokomotiv from 2020 to 2021, personally called Barinov to express interest.

Agent Vladimir Kuzmichev mentioned the serious interest of AEK Athens in Dmitry Barinov, the 28-year-old midfielder and captain of Lokomotiv Moscow. Despite Lokomotiv not wanting to sell, there have been no negotiations for a new contract. Kuzmichev evaluated the transfer possibility to Greece as '50-50'. AEK has been considering other options for the midfield position, but Barinov remains an alternative if other deals do not proceed.