The press service for the squad reports that Zenit has returned to its base in St. Petersburg after updates from the club on Telegram. The Brazilian forward Malcom was away briefly to welcome a newborn son, prompting a short trip from Russia in mid-May. He later represented Brazil in a June friendly against Guinea, and shortly after made his return to competitive action with a debut against Senegal.
Malcom joined Zenit from Barcelona in 2019. Since his arrival, he has helped the team claim four Russian league titles, lift the Russian Cup once, and secure three Russian Super Cups. His contract with Zenit runs through the summer of 2027, underscoring the club’s long-term investment in his impact on the squad.
During the most recent season, Malcom appeared in 27 league matches, contributing 23 goals and 7 assists. He finished as the league’s top scorer, edging out Quincy Promes of Spartak by three goals. In the 2022/23 campaign, Zenit captured the Russian championship for the fifth consecutive time, a testament to the depth and consistency of the team and Malcom’s goal-scoring prowess.
Commentary from former football manager Paulo Barbosa explored the potential earnings a player of Malcom’s caliber could command at a European club, reflecting the broader market dynamics and player valuation surrounding top attackers in the continent. These insights come in the context of ongoing discussions about contracts, transfer value, and the economics of modern football, where performance and market demand intersect to shape a player’s career trajectory. .