Zenit’s former head coach, Vlastimil Petrzhela, suggested that Malcolm should leave the club to pursue opportunities with major European and international tournaments for the Brazilian national team. The remark was relayed by RB Sports.
Petrzhela noted that while Malcolm’s call to the Brazilian national team for friendly matches signals progress, Olympic-style and World Cup ambitions demand a move away from Zenit. In his view, staying in Russia would limit national team exposure, as the Russian Premier League does not attract the same attention as Europe’s top leagues, and Zenit rarely features in high-profile European competitions.
Zenit had previously allowed Malcolm to depart the squad temporarily to return to his hometown in Brazil due to the birth of his son. The club supported his early exit, with plans in place for his return.
Malcolm joined Zenit in 2019 after transferring from Barcelona. During his time in Russia, he secured four Russian Premier League titles, captured one domestic cup, and won the country’s Super Cup three times. His contract with Zenit runs through the summer of 2027.
Boris Ignatiev, a former coach of Lokomotiv Moscow and the Russian national team, commented that Malcolm deserves a move to a premier European club. This perspective aligns with the talk of Malcolm seeking greater exposure and the chance to compete at the highest level on a regular basis, with the aim of strengthening his national team prospects and showcasing his talents on bigger stages.