Valery Ovchinnikov, once the head coach of Lokomotiv Nizhny Novgorod, and a former Zenit standout from St. Petersburg, voiced strong skepticism about Wendel’s possible return to the club on the banks of the Neva. The veteran coach, speaking publicly, suggested that life for Brazilian players can take a different turn once the rhythm of football stops and the lure of a warmer lifestyle takes over. The question he posed was direct: would Wendel choose Russia again once a comfortable summer in Brazil is on his mind? In Ovchinnikov’s view, the Brazilian’s priorities appeared to lean toward the pleasures of home and the prospects of a lucrative move rather than a return to Zenit.
There is a running joke about the Brazilian football culture that combines samba, carnival, and football with a flexible calendar and big showbiz moves. Some observers believe that financial considerations may overshadow sporting attachments, particularly for a player who has long been in demand. Wendel, they say, enjoys life near the Atlantic and the Brazilian coast, a setting that contrasts with the austere winters and the demanding schedule of the Russian Premier League. The question for Zenit’s management and fans has always been whether the opportunity or the terms would align to bring him back to the club in St. Petersburg. Critics have pointed to the appeal of a league like Brazil’s Serie A or other top leagues where prestige and commercial potential converge, possibly eclipsing the draw of returning to a country where the season has proven to be punishing.
During the 2022/23 campaign, the 25-year-old Wendel missed the entire pre-season schedule with Zenit. Despite his absence, Zenit captured the Russian Super Cup by defeating CSKA Moscow in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. The absence of Wendel left the blue-and-white squad to rely on other attackers and midfielders to shoulder the workload in the opening matches and beyond. There was talk at the time of a potential transfer to Flamengo, one of Brazil’s most storied clubs, but Zenit reportedly did not accept the terms of the deal offered. The discussions underscored a broader tension between a player’s personal ambitions and the club’s strategic planning, especially when the financial aspects of a move factor so prominently into the calculus.
Wendel joined Zenit in the autumn of 2020, becoming a part of a squad that has often balanced European competition with domestic duties. Last season, he appeared in 33 matches across all competitions for Zenit, contributing 9 goals and 4 assists. Those numbers highlighted his role as an important attacking option and creator, capable of breaking compact defenses and providing moments of quality in critical games. The Brazilian winger’s versatility allowed him to operate on the flanks or centrally, depending on the tactical setup and the opposition’s approach. His presence in the squad added depth to a team that has frequently leaned on a mix of domestic talent and international recruits to compete at a high level.
Historically, Zenit has valued players who can deliver both pace and technique, and Wendel’s profile fit that template. Yet, the path for a potential return is never straightforward. It depends on a confluence of factors: contract status, the club’s long-term plans, the player’s personal aspirations, and the evolving landscape of league play across Europe and South America. For Wendel, the decision would likely weigh the immediate competitive prospects in Russia against the broader allure of staying connected to Brazilian football, which remains a vibrant and financially attractive arena for many players. The dynamic between the player’s dream and the club’s expectations continues to unfold as the transfer window evolves and new opportunities surface.
In assessing the situation, observers note that the relationship between a club and a player is rarely static. It can hinge on how both parties perceive growth, opportunity, and the value of staying aligned with a particular tactical system. The dialogue surrounding Wendel’s future thus reflects more than a single rumor; it encapsulates the ongoing discussion about mobility, career planning, and the evolving economics of international football. Fans and pundits alike watch closely as Zenit navigates this period, balancing the need to retain talent with the reality of competitive markets and the appeal of players who bring both skill and a proven track record of contributing in high-stakes games. The overall message remains clear: for a player like Wendel, choices extend beyond the next match and reach into the broader arc of a football career.