Former Zenit forward Alexei Strepetov commented that two Brazilian stars, Malcom and Claudinho, should be allowed to depart if they wish to pursue new challenges. He indicated to Euro-Football.Ru that both players had made significant contributions to the club’s recent success, helping to secure a second championship star and bolster Zenit’s status on the continental stage. Strepetov added that if Malcom and Claudinho decide to leave, the club would be grateful for their efforts and would part ways with best wishes for their futures.
On July 10, Zenit fans and observers learned that Malcom had attracted an offer from the Saudi market. Timur Gurtskaya, a football manager familiar with the Brazilian winger, confirmed that a proposal in the vicinity of 50 million euros had been tabled. The club associated with the bid did not publicly disclose its name, but the figure reflected the growing interest in Malcom from Middle Eastern clubs and the willingness to invest significant sums for proven league performers.
Malcom joined Zenit in 2019 after leaving Barcelona, a move that reshaped the Brazilian’s career arc. During his days in Russia, he helped Zenit claim four league titles, lifted the Russian Cup once, and featured in the squad that captured the Russian Super Cup on three occasions. His versatility on the frontline and his knack for scoring crucial goals made him a constant threat for opponents and a reliable option for Zenit’s coaching staff across multiple seasons.
Meanwhile, on July 12, the Brazilian club Flamengo revealed renewed talks with Zenit about acquiring Claudinho. Marcos Braza, Flamengo’s vice president, confirmed to Bolavip that discussions were ongoing and that the two clubs were negotiating terms that could bring Claudinho back to Brazil or shape his next professional chapter in a different league. The nature of the negotiations suggested Flamengo’s long-standing interest in securing Claudinho’s services, given his track record and the potential fit within Flamengo’s attacking system.
Claudiño, who broke through as a creative force in midfield and attack, has been viewed by Flamengo and other suitors as a player capable of elevating the squad’s depth and dynamic. His style—combining dribbling skill, precise passing, and a willingness to press—aligns with how top Brazilian teams seek to balance flair with efficiency. The ongoing conversations highlighted the market’s appetite for Claudinho and the strategic value teams see in adding him to their ranks, either as a starter or as a versatile contributor off the bench.
Public statements about the players’ health or current form after recent matches were scarce beyond general updates. In particular, there were notes about Malcom’s condition following a forced substitution during a recent fixture against Fenerbahçe, which drew attention from fans and analysts who monitor player fitness and availability. The health of a player can dramatically influence transfer discussions, as clubs weigh medicals, recovery timelines, and potential impact on the squad’s immediate and long-term performance. In conversations with reporters and inside club circles, the emphasis remained on clarity regarding fitness status and readiness to compete in forthcoming engagements.