Alexander Markelov, co-founder of the A2M agency, spoke in a recent interview on the SBG Show about the transfer landscape surrounding Danil Krugovoy, the St. Petersburg defender who had been linked with a move to Bologna in Serie A during the summer of 2023. Markelov explained that Bologna knocked on their door regarding Krugovoy and that the agency quickly convened with the player’s representatives to explore the possibility. The discussion focused on timing and the financial terms Bologna could offer, with numbers reported to be in the range of five hundred thousand to one million euros. This was a period of intense interest from Italian clubs looking to bolster their back lines with proven Russian Premier League talents, and Krugovoy’s profile fit the profile Bologna sought for their defensive unit. Markelov emphasized that the offer window was examined as part of a broader negotiation strategy designed to assess all potential European opportunities for the player and his current club.”
“The interest from Bologna drew our attention because it aligned with the kind of project Krugovoy could contribute to in Serie A,” Markelov noted. He stated that he contacted the agency handling Krugovoy’s representation to get a clearer view of Bologna’s approach and the chance to negotiate. The discussion, taking place in the summer of 2023, involved evaluating not only the salary band but also other variables such as contract length, performance incentives, and the potential for a seamless transition amid the summer transfer window’s timing. The agent circle and the club optics at that moment suggested a serious intent from Bologna, and the dialogue reflected a calculated approach to talent acquisition in a league known for its tactical demands and scouted players from the Russian football system. Markelov’s comments provided a glimpse into how a mid-market Italian club assesses foreign defenders and what factors influence a potential move during a high-stakes window.”
CSKA Moscow announced on January 17 that it had reached a four-year agreement with Krugovoy. The defender, who had earned recognition with the national team setup, was set to spend the second half of the 2023/24 season with Zenit before being transferred to CSKA as a free agent once his contract expired. With the official announcement, Krugovoy was moved to Zenit-2 and was removed from the main squad’s competition sheet, signaling a staged transition rather than an immediate first-team integration. This move underscored CSKA’s long-term hiring strategy and Zenit’s willingness to facilitate player development by offering a temporary platform to continue competitive action while the formal transfer arrangements were finalized. The dynamic highlighted how Russian clubs manage expensive transfers and contract negotiations within a season, ensuring players maintain match fitness and visibility throughout the process.
Krugovoy has been with Zenit since 2019, contributing as a dependable defender and becoming a familiar presence for the team. His experience with Zenit and his involvement with the national team frame him as a seasoned professional who can adapt to different tactical setups and game tempos. Across his tenure, he established himself as a reliable option for Zenit’s back line, frequently participating in league fixtures and cup competitions while building a résumé that attracted attention from several top-tier clubs. The defense-minded player’s steady progression reflected a broader trend in which teams look to players with consistent performance records who can offer leadership at the back and contribute to a stable defensive structure during demanding campaigns.
In the current season, Krugovoy has appeared in 12 Russian Premier League matches and provided one assist, an output that speaks to his contribution beyond purely defensive duties. The Saint Petersburg club, historically a strong title challenger, sits in a top-tier position in the league standings, reflecting the overall health of the squad and the depth of talent available to the coach. Krugovoy’s involvement in those fixtures demonstrated his continued relevance at a high level and his ability to participate in both defensive duties and offensive support when the moment called for it. His involvement helped reinforce the team’s stability at the back while offering occasional forward-bounding options during transitions and set-piece situations. This season’s activity illustrated how a defender built a reputation on consistency can remain a valuable asset for a club pursuing league success and domestic cup progress.
Previous discussions around Krugovoy’s transfer, including why a potential move to CSKA Moscow encountered hurdles in winter negotiations, are part of the ongoing conversation about player mobility within Russian football. While some rumors suggest a seamless switch between premier clubs, the realities of salary caps, contract conditions, and timing often shape outcomes in ways that require patience from all parties involved—clubs, agents, and the player himself. The broader context includes strategic planning by clubs seeking to maintain competitive squads while managing financial and competitive considerations that influence transfer windows and long-term squad composition. As the season unfolds, the evolving picture around Krugovoy’s status remains part of a broader narrative about player value, league dynamics, and the pathways players navigate within Russia and across European leagues.