Former Dynamo Moscow scout Alexander Tilman, Zenit St. Petersburg defender Robert Renan, highlighting his high standing in the Brazilian market and the attention it attracts for legal betting.
During conversations with Brazilian colleagues, it became clear that Renan’s transfer to Zenit was viewed as a shrewd move. The expectation was that the club would command a substantial fee in future sales, making the payoff sizable for Zenit. Tilman emphasized the market value Renan brings and the potential for the transfer to yield significant returns for the club in coming years.
Renan joined Zenit in 2023. In his debut season with the blue-white squad, he earned domestic glory, becoming a champion of Russia and lifting the country’s Super Cup. His first campaign showcased his defensive solidity and adaptability within a high-caliber squad, earning him recognition as a key contributor to the team’s success.
In the opening round of the Russian Premier League, Zenit traveled to Pari NN and secured a 2-0 victory. Renan completed the match with ninety minutes on the field, contributing to a clean sheet and maintaining his role as a central figure in Zenit’s defensive lineup.
A former Zenit coach later addressed questions about Brazilian players and the club’s appeal, exploring why a number of Brazilian talents consider Zenit an attractive destination and how this trend influences the squad’s long-term strategy.