Zenit of Saint Petersburg is in talks with Corinthians about acquiring 17-year-old striker Pedro UOL. The proposed deal would grant Zenit 50 percent of the player’s rights, with Brazilians estimating a value of €12 million. In the described arrangement, Corinthians would retain 30 percent of Pedro UOL’s rights. The parties have set a price for the transfer, but Zenit has not yet submitted an official bid to the Brazilian club.
Last year, Zenit added two young Brazilian talents. In January, the club announced arrivals from Corinthians, including 19-year-old defender Robert Renan, who inked a five-season contract. Renan joined the blue and white squad as part of a broader strategy to strengthen the defensive line. During the summer, Zenit also completed a deal to bring in midfielder Du Queiroz from Corinthians, continuing a January-to-summer talent pipeline between the two clubs.
Du Queiroz, who previously played for Zenit Saint Petersburg, acknowledged that financial considerations played a role in his move but emphasized that leaving Brazil was a difficult decision. His departure underscored the serious financial and sporting calculations involved in crossing continents for elite competition.
In the past, agents connected with Brazilian players who spent time in Russia, including Malcolm and Claudinho, discussed their clients’ exits from the country. Their experiences reflect the broader dynamics of player movement between Brazilian clubs and European leagues, where early career opportunities and long-term career planning intersect with market forces and club strategies.