St. Petersburg club Zenit and its goalkeeper Mikhail Kerzhakov publicly addressed the topic surrounding the possible departure of midfielder Wendel, confirming that the matter has been discussed at every level within the organization. The confirmation comes through a statement attributed to the goalkeeper, who conveyed the club’s stance as reported by Match TV.
Kerzhakov explained that the conversation about Wendel has touched all layers of Zenit from the first team staff to the boardroom. He recalled a moment ahead of a recent training session when Wendel addressed the group, apologized, and laid out his side of the story, after which the issue was put on hold at least until the winter period. According to Kerzhakov, the atmosphere inside the club remained calm and controlled because the team treated the situation with openness and fairness, much like the shared norms in any athletic environment. He added that Wendel has been moving freely within the training facilities and around the tunnel area, a sign of normalcy in the team dynamics, which mitigated concerns about any disruption to training or team cohesion.
Wendel, aged 25, did not participate in Zenit’s pre-season training or in the PARI Premier Cup matches. Despite his absence, Zenit secured a Russian Super Cup victory against CSKA Moscow in a penalty shootout, showcasing resilience and depth within the squad. In the current Russian Premier League season, Wendel has appeared in two league fixtures but has not managed to secure a goal or assist, a personalized record that has been noted by observers and club followers alike as the team continues to organize around his potential contributions when needed.
Wendel joined Zenit in the autumn of 2020 and has since become a recognizable figure for the blue-white-sky-blue project. In his latest season, the Brazilian midfielder featured in thirty-three matches across all competitions, contributing nine goals and providing four assists. His scoring tally reflects a rare blend of attacking instincts and finishing ability, while the assists underline his role in creating opportunities for teammates. The coaching staff has consistently pointed to his versatility and work rate as valuable assets for Zenit’s tactical plans across different competitions and match contexts.
Earlier remarks from the team leadership have underscored that Wendel’s transfer value aligns with the investment that was made when the player was signed. The management and coaching groups have repeatedly emphasized that football decisions of this nature are guided by long-term strategic considerations, squad balance, and financial prudence. These statements form part of a broader narrative about squad development and the aim to sustain competitive performance in domestic and European competitions. The ongoing dialogue within Zenit’s ranks reflects a culture of transparency and accountability that is intended to preserve harmony while allowing room for decisive actions when they align with the club’s objectives. The reports from internal sources and commentators familiar with the club’s operations are consistent in portraying a cautious but purposeful approach to player movement while the season unfolds and future transfer windows approach.