Zenit may see two midfielders depart during the upcoming winter window, with Alexei Sutormin and Alexander Erokhin among the players under consideration for a move away from the club on the banks of the Neva, according to Sports Express. The report notes that the club is open to exploring squad changes as it plans ahead for the second half of the season.
Speculation links Zenit to potential arrivals from within Russia, notably Ilya Ishakov from Ural and Igor Dmitriev, as well as defender Stanislav Bessmertny from Dynamo. The chatter suggests the club is weighing options that could bolster the midfield and defensive lines, aligning with a broader strategy to refresh the squad during the winter market and maintain competitiveness on multiple fronts.
Sutormin has appeared in six Russian Premier League matches this season and has one assist to his name. A product of Zenit’s system since transferring from Rubin in the summer of 2019, Sutormin’s contract with the club runs through the summer of 2025. On the market, Sutormin is valued around 1.8 million euros according to Transfermarkt, reflecting his role as a versatile wide midfielder who can contribute both creatively and defensively when called upon. As the window approaches, interest in Sutormin could intensify if Zenit considers a broader tactical shift or a reorganization of the midfield that prioritizes younger options or different profiles.
Erokhin has contributed in 11 league appearances this season, adding two assists. He has been part of Zenit since 2017, with a contract valid until the summer of 2024. Market estimates place his value at roughly 700 thousand euros, highlighting a profile that combines experience with potential for further development in domestic and European competitions. The club’s evaluation of Erokhin will likely factor in his versatility, ability to press, and option value as a squad player who can cover multiple midfield roles when needed.
Previously, Sergey Semak weighed the pricing of foreign players versus Russian players within the Zenit squad, a discussion that reflected the club’s approach to squad composition and the economics of player recruitment. Such remarks underscore Zenit’s ongoing assessment of market dynamics as it seeks to balance investment with homegrown development and competitive performance across all competitions. The coming transfer window could therefore bring clarity on whether Zenit intends to reinforce the midfield with fresh talent or prioritize retaining core contributors while exploring selective exits to recalibrate the squad.