Zelimkhan Bakaev, a forward who has been part of Zenit St. Petersburg and the Russian national team, has moved on loan to the United Arab Emirates club Al-Wahda. The transfer was announced by the club’s official communications team, confirming a temporary move that lasts until the current season ends and does not include an option for purchase.
The official statement clarified that Zenit and Al-Wahda agreed on a loan deal that will see the attacking midfielder contribute to the Abu Dhabi side for the remainder of the season. The arrangement keeps Bakaev tied to Zenit without any possibility of making the deal permanent within this term.
Bakaev joined Zenit in 2022 after leaving Spartak Moscow and has since been part of the club’s plans. In the previous season, he featured in 17 league matches and converted one penalty for a goal. In the current campaign, he has appeared four times for Zenit and contributed one assist, signaling a continued role as a squad option in domestic competitions.
Zenit currently sits in second place in the Russian Premier League standings eight weeks into the season, having earned 17 points. Krasnodar sits just one point behind, while Krylya Sovetov Samara and Dinamo Moscow are close behind with 15 points each. In the latest league action on September 17, Zenit secured a 3-0 win against Rubin Kazan, though Bakaev did not participate in that match, leaving room for his involvement to grow with the new loan period ahead.
On the international stage, Bakaev has represented Russia, appearing in a total of 13 matches and contributing one goal and one assist. Transfermarkt currently estimates the player’s market value at around 2.5 million euros, reflecting his experience in top domestic leagues and international play. The loan to Al-Wahda adds a new chapter to his professional journey, expanding his exposure to a different footballing environment and style of play in the Middle East, while continuing to be part of Russia’s national team discussions and future considerations.