"Zenit" Ventures into Familiar Territory
In a significant move for the Russian Premier League (RPL), Zenit Saint Petersburg has announced the signing of Brazilian national team midfielder Gerson from CR Flamengo for €25 million. This deal ranks among the most expensive signings in RPL history.
Gerson, who is extremely popular in his native Brazil despite not being widely known in Europe, joins Zenit following a successful stint with Flamengo, where he won 12 trophies, including the Copa Libertadores, South America's equivalent of the Champions League.
Known for his versatility and technical prowess, Gerson can cover multiple positions in midfield, both centrally and on the wings. He is also proficient in progressing the ball through individual actions and consistently ranks among leaders in created scoring chances and successful passes into the penalty area in the Brazilian Championship.
Zenit's acquisition of Gerson comes after the club bought Enrique from Botafogo for €33 million in January. The new signing will be unveiled by Zenit on July 9 during a friendly match against Swiss side Sion.
Interestingly, Gerson was also courted by Al-Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo plays, but he had already signed a contract with Zenit, turning down a lucrative offer of €30 million a year from the Saudi Arabian club.
Gerson's move to Russia will not affect his prospects with the Brazilian national team, according to Carlo Ancelotti, the new head coach of the team. Ancelotti stated that Gerson's performance with Zenit will be closely watched, but his international career would depend on his performance with Flamengo and any future international opportunities.
Gerson transferred to Flamengo from Marseille in December 2022 for a fee of €15 million. He has also played for AS Roma and Fiorentina in the past. Flamengo announced the termination of Gerson's contract, and Zenit confirmed receiving a €25 million compensation payment from the Brazilian club.
While specific statistics for Gerson in the RPL are not yet available, Zenit's strong form suggests that the midfielder will have a significant impact on the team's performance in the upcoming season.
[1] Zenit signs Brazilian midfielder Gerson for €25 million. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/soccer/zenit-saint-petersburg/story/4618636/zenit-signs-brazilian-midfielder-gerson-for-25-million
[2] Brazilian midfielder Gerson set for move to Zenit Saint Petersburg. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65084453
[3] Gerson (footballer) - Wikipedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerson_(footballer,_born_1997)
- Gerson's move to the Russian Premier League (RPL) marks an exciting addition to Zenit Saint Petersburg's squad, as they aim to make a strong impact in European leagues, including the premier-league.
- With his impressive performances in Brazil and South America, Gerson's signing from CR Flamengo for €25 million is expected to bring a new level of skill and expertise to Zenit's football team in sports.
