Zenit head coach Sergei Semak has spoken about midfielder Wendel, signaling that the Brazilian is open to leaving the club if the right opportunity arises. Semak relayed the sentiment, noting that Wendel hasn’t formally closed the door on a move, and that a favourable offer could prompt action, provided it serves the best interests of Zenit. The coach emphasized that any departure would depend on securing a solid deal from a club that values the player’s abilities.
Wendel himself has not been part of Zenit’s preseason fixtures, missing the start of preparations and the PARI Premier Cup. Semak confirmed that while the midfielder has been given permission to explore options, there was no explicit guarantee that he would not return to the squad if a transfer move did not materialize. In a recent briefing, journalist Julio Miguel Neto indicated that Zenit has acknowledged the likelihood of a summer exit for Wendel, aligning with the club’s strategic approach to squad management during transfer windows.
Since arriving at Zenit in the autumn of 2020, Wendel has contributed significantly to the team’s plans. Across all competitions in the previous season, he featured in 33 matches, contributing nine goals and four assists. Those efforts helped Zenit secure the Russian Premier League title for a fifth consecutive season, underscoring his role in a period of domestic dominance for the club. As the transfer window progresses, supporters and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Wendel remains with Zenit or embarks on a new chapter elsewhere, with the potential impact on both player development and the club’s tactical options under Semak.
What is clear is that Wendel’s next move could shape the midfield balance at Zenit and influence how the club approaches the remainder of the season. The situation reflects broader dynamics in modern football where players, clubs, and agents continually reassess fit, form, and ambition as markets open and close across Europe. Stakeholders will await official updates from Zenit and the player’s representatives as discussions continue in the background, with fans hoping for clarity on timing and terms as the summer transfer window evolves.
Further coverage will explore how Wendel’s potential departure might alter Zenit’s tactical setup, the implications for squad depth, and the types of destinations that would align with both the player’s career goals and the club’s competitive ambitions. The evolving story remains a reminder of how quickly transfer dynamics can shift in top-tier football, where talent, opportunity, and timing must align for a move to happen. (via Sport Express, with corroboration from other outlets as events unfold)