Igor Semshov, who served as head coach of the Seagulls and once wore the badge of the Russian national team, weighed in on Malcom, the Zenit forward. Semshov suggested that Malcom could attract interest from European clubs, even if he hadn’t yet locked down a regular spot with Brazil. The veteran coach emphasized that at this stage, Malcom has matured into a player whose talents could shine on the continental stage. According to Semshov, the Brazilian attacker has developed the kind of poise and versatility that European clubs seek, making a move plausible should the opportunity arise. He added that Malcom’s recent form demonstrates not just flashes of brilliance but sustained effectiveness across top-tier domestic competition, positioning him as a credible option for European sides seeking a dynamic forward.
The idea of Malcom’s seamless transition to Europe rests on more than a single standout season. Even if the Brazilian national team cycle doesn’t immediately showcase his best, the forward’s trajectory suggests he could still be a contender for a major European platform. He is described as a player who reads the game well, adapts to different tactical setups, and performs with a level of professionalism that lends itself to success abroad. In Semshov’s view, Malcom’s capacity to adapt to European leagues, with their higher tempo and tactical variety, is already evident from his recent showings in domestic competition. The coach’s assessment reflects a broader belief that Malcom’s skill set is suitable for the challenges of top leagues in Europe, and that his continued development could lead to opportunities outside Russia.
Malcom joined Zenit from Barcelona in 2019, a transition that marked a new chapter for the Brazilian winger. Since arriving in Russia, he has collected multiple major domestic honours, illustrating the impact of his presence on the team. He has won the Russian Premier League title on four occasions, claimed a domestic cup, and lifted the country’s Super Cup on three occasions. This trophy-laden spell underlines his role in Zenit’s sustained success and his status as one of the league’s standout performers during that period. His contract with Zenit remains valid through the summer of 2027, signaling the club’s continued belief in his contribution and potential to drive results in the coming seasons.
Commenting on Malcom’s prospects beyond Russia, former Manchester United winger Andrey Kanchelskis offered his perspective on the forward’s future. Kanchelskis weighed in with his own assessment of Malcom’s abilities, suggesting that the player’s talent could attract attention from European clubs seeking a versatile and capable attacker. The discussion around Malcom’s career reflects a broader sentiment among pundits that the Brazilian’s combination of pace, technical skill, and decision-making makes him a viable candidate for competition at the highest club level. As Malcom continues to perform for Zenit, observers will watch closely to see whether his domestic success translates into opportunities on the European stage, where the demands and pressures differ significantly from Russian football.