St. Petersburg’s newest Brazilian arrival at Zenit is Du Queiroz, a midfielder nicknamed Zenith by some press outlets, and his reported salary sits around 900 thousand euros per year at the Russian club, a figure cited by Euro-Football.Ru. The move signals Zenit’s continued efforts to strengthen midfield stability while expanding the talent pool for the squad in the Russian Premier League and European competitions. This financial detail, while part of broader reporting, underscores the club’s readiness to invest in emerging players from Brazil as part of a long-term plan for the team’s competitive edge.
On June 23, Zenit confirmed that the 23-year-old midfielder had completed his transfer to St. Petersburg. After successfully passing the medical examination, he joined the squad for training at the club’s base, marking a concrete step in his integration with teammates and the tactical system. The club subsequently announced that he would wear the number 37, a choice that has drawn attention from fans and analysts observing how he will adapt to Zenit’s attacking and defensive responsibilities on the field.
In January 2023, Zenit announced the signing of a two-player package that included Du Queiroz alongside other new arrivals from Corinthians. Earlier that winter, 19-year-old defender Robert Renan joined the blue-white-blue setup and signed a five-season contract, reinforcing the club’s defensive options for the coming years. The parties also negotiated the potential transfer of Du Queiroz in the summer, signaling a deliberate strategy to balance mid-season readiness with long-term development for the squad.
Du Queiroz, who previously played for Zenit St. Petersburg, has stated that financial considerations were part of the decision to move to the Russian club, but he has also emphasized the personal challenge of leaving Brazil for a new league and culture. His remarks reflect a common sentiment among South American players who weigh career progression, competitive exposure, and life abroad as they consider high-stakes moves to clubs in Europe. The decision appears to align with Zenit’s ongoing pursuit of versatile midfielders who can contribute both in build-up play and in breaking up opponents’ rhythm, according to contemporary transfer analyses.
Former Zenit striker Alexei Gasilin offered insights into the club’s domestic dominance in the Russian Premier League and why that trend could persist in the coming years. He pointed to a combination of financial strength, a robust scouting network, and a consistent policy of integrating young talent with proven performers as key drivers of sustained success. The commentary reflects a broader conversation about how Zenit maintains competitive consistency while navigating the evolving landscape of Russian football and the pressures of European competition.
Overall, the arrival of Du Queiroz fits into Zenit’s broader strategy of replenishing the squad with dynamic midfield options, blending youth with experience, and maintaining a competitive edge. The club’s leadership appears focused on building a cohesive unit capable of competing on multiple fronts, with the Brazilian midfielder expected to contribute to both domestic duties and international campaigns in the seasons ahead. Observers will be watching closely how his adaptation unfolds, how his role develops within the team’s tactical system, and how the transfer aligns with Zenit’s stated goals for continued growth in the Russian Premier League and beyond. Granted the context of the move, the development path for Du Queiroz will be an ongoing narrative for supporters and analysts alike, as Zenit seeks consistent performance from its midfield core across different competitions.