During a Flamengo discussion podcast, Marcos Braz, the club’s vice president, sparked confusion by mistaking Zenit Saint Petersburg’s board chair Alexander Medvedev for Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president who now serves as deputy chairman of the Russian Federation Security Council. The exchange drew attention from Football Planet, which noted the moment as part of Braz’s broader conversation about the potential transfer of Claudinho, a Brazilian midfielder from Zenit, to Flamengo.
In that episode, Braz remarked on the other side of the table, saying, without ambiguity, that the person he addressed was once Russia’s president for five years. He asserted Flamengo would not pursue a player from a club lacking history and status, framing the discussion around the importance of a club’s legacy in transfer negotiations.
Sources in the market indicate Zenit showed no intention of parting with Claudinho and countered Flamengo’s interest with an enhanced contract offer that included a salary increase. The player reportedly declined the proposal to remain with Zenit and to continue his journey in the Russian league, reinforcing his preference to join Flamengo if a deal could be reached on terms that satisfied both clubs.
Historically, Flamengo had previously approached Zenit with a substantial bid and remained prepared to invest a significant sum in Claudinho. While reports in 2023 suggested a possible €15 million move, Zenit’s stance at that time was firm. In 2024, Flamengo reportedly raised its bid again, though the precise figure was not disclosed. The public chatter emphasized Zenit’s willingness to hold firm on its asking price, while Brazilian observers remained optimistic about progress in negotiations and the potential alignment of both clubs’ strategic objectives.
Claudinho has reportedly communicated a strong desire to wear Flamengo’s colors, and the player’s contractual landscape has evolved toward a potential agreement that could extend to 2027, should both sides find common ground. The ongoing task for Flamengo is to craft an offer that meets Zenit’s demands while reinforcing the player’s ambition to compete in Brazil’s premier club environment and the competitive landscape of South American football.
Earlier online media chatter hinted at a scene from a Zenit player’s presentation that circulated on Flamengo’s platforms. The incident added another layer to the broader transfer narrative, underscoring how negotiations between clubs can intersect with public perception and media speculation around star players and their career goals. The overall story remains centered on Claudinho’s status, Flamengo’s interest, Zenit’s valuation, and how both clubs might navigate a path to a mutually beneficial arrangement, with supporters watching closely for any decisive development (Football Planet).