Vladislav Radimov, a former Zenit St. Petersburg midfielder, explained why the blue-whites pursued Ilzat Akhmetov and secured his contract. His remarks were reported by Match TV and circulated across the club’s circles as they prepared for the winter window refresh. The decision to bring Akhmetov in was framed as a strategic step to broaden the squad’s options for competing at the highest level in the Russian Premier League (RPL) and in European qualification battles.
From Radimov’s viewpoint, Zenit needed a player who could expand the range of tactical possibilities and lift the team’s ceiling in big matches. Akhmetov already demonstrated that he could shoulder more responsibility during his time with Krasnodar, where he repeatedly proved his readiness to take on challenging assignments. In the eyes of Zenit’s leadership, this transfer represents a significant challenge for the midfielder, one that comes with the chance to contribute to a club that has claimed the RPL title in five consecutive seasons. The message was clear: joining Zenit is the aspiration of many players who yearn to compete at the summit of Russian football and beyond.
Opponents in the league have grown accustomed to facing compact, defensively organized phases when playing against Zenit. Radimov stressed that Akhmetov brings the potential to win individual duels and shift the balance in moments when a single decisive break can unlock a match. This personal quality is seen as a valuable asset for Zenit’s ongoing mission to diversify its attacking options and create space for teammates through smart, dynamic plays in tight spaces.
On January 9, Akhmetov transferred from Krasnodar to Zenit. The 26-year-old midfielder signed a contract that runs through the end of the 2025/26 season, with an option to extend for an additional year. This agreement not only anchors a proven performer in the squad but also aligns with Zenit’s longer-term plans to sustain a strong midfield presence capable of competing across domestic and continental stages.
Akhmetov’s Russian Premier League journey began in 2014 with Rubin Kazan, where he spent four seasons developing his game and understanding the demands of top-tier football. He later spent four years with CSKA Moscow, a period noted for his growth and adaptability in both domestic competitions and cups. In 2018, he shared in Krasnodar’s success by winning the Russian Super Cup, adding a notable trophy to his career. The move to Krasnodar in 2022 marked another chapter, where he further established himself as a reliable, all-around midfielder who can influence both the build-up play and the final product in the final third.
During the current season, Akhmetov has featured in 21 matches across all competitions for Krasnodar, contributing three goals and two assists. Across his Krasnodar tenure, he accumulated 61 appearances, eight assists, and seven goals, underscoring his consistency and ability to impact multiple facets of the game. For Zenit, such a player promises additional depth, a robust option in rotation, and a potential catalyst for more aggressive pressing and faster transitions when the team regains possession. The club’s decision to bring him in reflects a broader strategy of strengthening the squad’s versatility and resilience in a league where the balance can shift quickly depending on form and injury dynamics.
The broader context of Zenit’s transfer policy remains focused on cultivating a squad capable of meeting rising expectations. Akhmetov’s arrival is part of that longer-term plan, aimed at sustaining competitiveness in Russia and building a platform that can contend for honours on multiple fronts. By integrating a midfielder with proven experience in top-flight Russia and a track record of delivering decisive moments, Zenit signals its intent to remain a dominant force while continuing to evolve tactically and physically throughout the season.