The ex-sports director of Zenit, Igor Korneev, told Metaratings.ru that financially, the transfer of the striker of the St. Petersburg team Malcolm to Al-Hilal would be a great deal, but the question is whether the player himself wants this.

Earlier, the media reported that the Saudi Al-Hilal had agreed on the transfer of Malcolm. The Brazilian, who also has Russian citizenship, was offered a contract until 2026 with a salary of 18 million euros a year.

– As a former sports director of the club, how do you assess the work of the Zenith sports block? Is it the highest quality in the country, or is it all about resources?

“Zenith is working quite efficiently and quickly, adapting to the circumstances that arise. Of course, the resource plays a significant role here too.

– What should Zenit do in the situation with Wendel? Trying to trade players from Brazil, like in the case of Yuri Alberto? Maybe there is interest in Wendel from Europe?

– Finding an option to buy Wendel for 20-25 million euros is not so easy, given the large salary of the player. England could be such an option, but it doesn’t seem like he’s quite going there under the new rules. Let’s see if someone in Europe decides to transfer him. Swapping him for another top player from Brazil could be a good and quick option.

– In Saudi Arabia, they write that Malcolm is close to moving to Al-Hilal, the figure was 50 million euros. Would that be a brilliant deal for Zenit?

– If so, then this would be a great deal for Zenit and the player in a financial aspect. But whether Malcolm wants to go there is a big question.

The new season of the MIR RPL starts on July 21 with the Dynamo-Krasnodar match. Match TV will show live three matches of the first round: Lokomotiv – Rubin (July 22, 17:15), Akhmat – Sovetov Wings (July 22, 19:45) and Sochi – Baltika (July 23, 19:45). Zenit in the starting round on July 22 will play on the road with PARI NN. Spartak will host Orenburg on Sunday.