Zenit St. Petersburg’s Brazilian midfielder Wendel expressed satisfaction with his situation at the club during the 2023 summer transfer period, saying there was no need to force a move and that he was happy to stay with the Russian side. He emphasized that he believes all parties should be content with any outcome, and if not, life simply goes on. The 25-year-old added that he enjoys life in St. Petersburg and that the city offers a fantastic place to live. He left the door open for future possibilities, noting that he could not predict what the next window might bring.
Missing all of Zenit’s preseason friendlies and the PARI Premier Cup games, Wendel has still played a key role for the club throughout the season. In his absence, Zenit captured the Russian Super Cup by defeating CSKA Moscow in a penalty shootout, underscoring the team’s resilience and depth. There had been speculation about a potential move to Flamengo in Brazil, but Zenit did not accept the offer on the table, keeping the midfielder in their squad for the time being.
Wendel has been part of Zenit since the autumn of 2020. In the most recent campaign, he appeared in 33 matches across all competitions, contributing 9 goals and 4 assists as part of Zenit’s attacking framework. The Brazilian player’s performances have been a steady source of impact, helping the team navigate a demanding schedule and maintain a strong standing in domestic and European competitions.
Public commentary from his representatives hinted at the broader question of strategic transfers for Zenit. The discussions around Isidor potentially moving from Lokomotiv to Zenit highlighted ongoing conversations about strengthening the squad while balancing financial and sporting considerations. Wendel’s ongoing presence at Zenit remains a central piece of the club’s plans as they look to compete on multiple fronts in the current and upcoming seasons.