Former player Valery Gladilin discusses Arthur’s move from Palmeiras to Zenit and potential future transfers
Former footballer Valery Gladilin shared his thoughts in an interview with socialbites.ca about Arthur, the Brazilian midfielder who joined Zenit from Palmeiras during the winter transfer window. Gladilin suggested that Arthur could eventually be sold to another club for a substantial fee once his value has been fully realized in Russia.
Gladilin noted that it is still early to gauge how useful Arthur will become for Zenit. The midfielder has arrived amid high expectations and a plan to push him to showcase his abilities in the Russian Premier League. He emphasized that young Brazilian players often have room to grow, and Zenit appears to be following a familiar path with Arthur. The aim is to develop the talent, test his adaptability, and then potentially move him to an even bigger league, much like what happened with other players such as Malcolm. With a range of possibilities ahead, the strategy seems balanced and prudent for the club.
Zenit announced Arthur’s contract on January 8. The agreement runs through the end of the 2026/27 season, with an option to extend for another year. This setup gives Zenit time to evaluate Arthur’s impact and decide on a longer-term plan based on his performances in domestic and international competition.
At 25 years old, Arthur joined Palmeiras in 2023 and helped his former club clinch the Brazilian championship that year. During his time in Brazil, he recorded ten goals and two assists across 43 appearances in all competitions, demonstrating his attacking flair and contribution in crucial moments. The transition to Zenit marks a new chapter, with the player facing a different league, culture, and level of competition, all of which will shape his development and value on the transfer market.
Earlier remarks from Gladilin also touched on Zenit’s broader approach. It was stated that Ilzat Akhmetov would likely be rotated into the squad, providing opportunities for others to prove themselves during matches. This reflects Zenit’s ongoing strategy of nurturing emerging talents while maintaining a competitive edge in both the domestic league and European competitions.