Zenit Saint Petersburg’s chairman, Alexander Medvedev, made a clear statement about the club’s transfer plans, indicating that Quincy Promes from Spartak Moscow is not a target. The remark came during a broader discussion about player acquisitions and squad needs for the upcoming seasons.
When asked if Zenit was considering Promes, Medvedev replied in the negative, underscoring the club’s current strategic direction. The exchange highlighted Zenit’s emphasis on other options and a focus on evaluating players that fit the team’s long-term project and style of play.
Promes has faced significant legal and criminal challenges in Europe. In Amsterdam, a court delivered a six-year prison sentence for cocaine trafficking on February 14. The case had been heard on January 24, with prosecutors seeking a nine-year term. Following the verdict, Promes was placed on the international wanted list on February 16. Earlier, he already carried a 1.5-year sentence for a stabbing incident in a separate matter.
Further developments emerged on March 1 when journalist Ivan Karpov reported that Promes was detained in Dubai after a road incident. Reports indicated that Promes fled the scene in an attempt to avoid immediate consequences. During routine passport checks en route from the United Arab Emirates to Russia, authorities detained him and placed him under home arrest as investigations continued.
Throughout this season, Promes featured in 17 matches and contributed six goals in the Russian Championship, adding a notable but troubled chapter to his professional record. The controversies surrounding his legal status have overshadowed his on-field performances and raised questions about his availability for future clubs.
Within the Russian Football Union and among former officials, there is recognition of Promes’s complex situation. The federation has had to balance disciplinary considerations with the realities of a player whose career has been punctuated by recent legal struggles, casting doubt on potential transfer prospects in the near term.
Ultimately, the dialogue around Promes illustrates how off-field issues can profoundly influence a player’s market value and career trajectory. Clubs must weigh sporting contributions against legal uncertainties, travel restrictions, and the potential for extended suspensions or transfers that may never materialize. In this context, Zenit’s stance remains a firm example of prudent club governance when evaluating players with complicated legal and personal histories.