CSKA Moscow’s general manager, Roman Babaev, confirmed that Danil Krugovoy will move to Zenit St. Petersburg’s roster, expressing satisfaction with the transfer from St. Petersburg. The exchange has drawn attention from several quarters, with Babaev noting the clubs’ mutual respect and the clear competition that surrounded Krugovoy during the negotiation process. He also indicated that the club hopes to finalize Danya’s joining in the winter window, paving the way for him to integrate into CSKA ahead of the spring schedule. (Source: Sports Express)
Babaev reiterated the club’s positive outlook on Krugovoy’s move, adding that the pursuit by multiple teams underscored the player’s value. The general manager emphasized that Krugovoy’s arrival would strengthen CSKA’s defensive options and bring experience gained at the highest levels of Russian football. The transfer is framed as a strategic step for the club, aligning with its plans for the second half of the season and beyond. (Source: Sports Express)
Krugovoy has been with Zenit since 2019, developing through the ranks after initially progressing through the club’s youth structure. His early years saw him leave Zenit in 2018 before stints with Ufa, where he continued to hone his defending and playmaking abilities. In the current Russian Premier League campaign, the defender has appeared in 12 league matches and contributed one assist, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable option at the back. In September 2023, Krugovoy earned a call-up to the Russian national team for a friendly match against Kyrgyzstan, highlighting his standing at the national level. (Source: Sports Express)
The planned transition will see Krugovoy become a CSKA player in July 2024, with the expectation that he will feature for Zenit-2 during the spring portion of the season as part of the transition arrangement. This arrangement allows CSKA to integrate the defender gradually while Zenit adjusts its squad dynamics for the remainder of the campaign. (Source: Sports Express)
In the current Russian Championship standings, Zenit occupies second place with 36 points, while CSKA sits eighth with 28 points. The midseason positioning reflects the shifts within the league that Krugovoy’s move is designed to influence, as both clubs seek to maximize their results in the closing stages of the season. (Source: Sports Express)
Earlier, Vladimir Ponomarev had reacted positively to the possible transfer of Krugovoy to CSKA, underscoring the broader interest in the defender from top Russian clubs and the potential impact on competitive balance within the league. (Source: Sports Express)