RT, St. Petersburg has announced that Zenith forward Artem Dzyuba will depart the blue-white-blue club as a free agent at the season’s end. Market chatter suggests the 33-year-old striker has drawn interest from clubs across Russia and Europe, with a slew of offers reportedly on the table.
In the current RPL campaign, Dzyuba has faced an unusual rhythm. After Ivan Sergeev joined the squad, discussions intensified around the striker’s form and playing time. Dzyuba has appeared in limited stretches, with analysts noting that he has not yet started a consistent run of full matches, complicating his path toward a new contract.
The automatic contract extension option could not be activated, as it required him to spend a substantial portion of the season on the pitch, a benchmark he did not reach in the required time frame.
Telegram channels linked to the Russian national team have highlighted that Moscow-based Spartak’s scouting network is tracking him closely. Istanbul Fenerbahce and Belgrade Red Star reportedly show serious interest, signaling a broad geography of potential destinations beyond his current club.
At the same time, within circles close to Zenith, officials have indicated that discussions about a possible transfer are ongoing. An official statement in recent interviews revealed that negotiations are still in flux, with periods of evaluation continuing as both sides review terms.
Analysts who previously worked with top clubs have offered their perspectives. One former coach suggested that if a clear intent exists, Dzyuba could move without friction to a different team, pointing to his leadership and the ability to shape locker-room dynamics in a favorable way for a new squad.
A former striker to Moscow Lokomotiv and the Russian national team highlighted Dzyuba’s leadership qualities and the positive impact he had on Zenit. He noted the striker’s energy and the way he built relationships within the squad, which made him a valued member during his time with the club.
The same analyst hinted that it is possible the player could receive a respectful contract offer elsewhere, though not necessarily on terms that match his prior expectations. The sentiment was that a move could be beneficial for both player and potential new club, particularly if the destination aligns with Dzyuba’s ambitions and the league’s level of competition.
There is speculation about whether Dzyuba might return to another big Russian club. Some comments suggest a preference for a stay in Russia, potentially in St. Petersburg, where his stature and familiarity with the city could foster a smooth transition while showcasing his enduring prominence in domestic football.
Observers believe the likelihood of a return to Spartak Moscow is low. The narrative around his next steps leans toward a high-profile league or a top-tier Russian club that can leverage his experience and media appeal. The rest of the football world remains attentive as agencies and sponsors weigh their options in relation to his market value and visibility.
As for his season tally, Dzyuba has tallied 11 goals in 25 appearances, adding one from the spot and contributing seven assists in the process. In April, he ended a goalless run that extended over seven games since the previous November, reminding fans of his capacity to influence a match through timely finishes and smart positioning.
Commentators noted that Zenith could use sponsorship networks to facilitate a strategic placement of the player should a transfer materialize. The club has benefited from strong financial backing in the past, and sponsors reportedly could play a role in negotiating terms or smoothing a transition if it proves advantageous for all parties involved.
Reflecting on Dzyuba’s status, observers emphasized the striker’s historical impact as one of Russia’s top forwards. While it is not the right moment to forecast a precise final destination, the consensus is that the player’s next chapter will be defined by a combination of opportunity, playing time, and the fit with a club’s style and ambitions. The broader takeaway is that Dzyuba remains a highly relevant figure in Russian football, capable of contributing meaningfully wherever he lands.
On the race for the season’s top scorers in the RPL, Dzyuba sits near the top tier, tied for third alongside Mateo Cassiera of Sochi and Dynamo’s Fedor Smolov, both on 11 goals apiece. One of them found most of his goals in a single match, illustrating the thin margins and moments of brilliance that define a striker’s year in the league.