Journalist Ivan Karpov reported that Rubin and Rostov are interested in Baltika's 22-year-old Russian centre-back, Sergey Varatynov, and that the player's buyout clause is 120 million rubles. Varatynov reacted to the news, stating he had just learned of the interest from the two clubs and affirming he is currently happy at Baltika. Varatynov joined Baltika in September 2024, and his contract is valid until June 2027. He made 30 appearances and scored one goal in the 25/26 Premier Liga season and has six caps for Russia's U17 team. His current Transfermarkt market value is €1.80m.