Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama Show Interest in Zenit Defender Nino
Journalist Pablo Oliveira reports on his social media page X that Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama are all showing interest in Zenit defender Nino. The Brazilian center-back, who currently plies his trade with Russian giants Zenit Saint Petersburg, has caught the eye of some of Brazil’s most iconic clubs. As the transfer window heats up, the saga surrounding Nino’s potential move back to Brazil is gaining momentum, but Zenit’s firm stance on his valuation and sale timeline adds complexity to the negotiations.
The Rising Demand for Nino in Brazilian Football
Nino has established himself as a reliable and commanding presence in Zenit’s defense since joining the club. His consistent performances have not only contributed to Zenit’s domestic and continental success but also earned him recognition back home in Brazil. As a 28-year-old defender in his prime, he is an attractive addition for any club aiming to solidify their backline with experience and quality.
Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, three heavyweight teams with rich histories in Brazilian football, are reportedly interested in securing his services. Each club sees Nino as an asset who can bring immediate defensive strength, leadership, and tactical awareness to their squads.
Interest From Cruzeiro and Fluminense: Price Concerns
According to Oliveira’s report, both Cruzeiro and Fluminense took initial steps to inquire about Nino’s availability and transfer conditions. However, their prospects were quickly dimmed by Zenit’s asking price. The Russian club’s valuation of Nino sits in the €15-18 million range, reflecting their strong belief in his value on and off the pitch.
For many Brazilian clubs, especially those rebuilding or focusing on financial restraint, this price tag is steep. Cruzeiro and Fluminense, despite their deep-rooted ambitions, have been cautious in their transfer strategies, aiming to balance squad improvement with responsible spending. Zenit’s firm stance has thus been a deterrent for both clubs, pushing them to consider alternative targets or wait for a more opportune moment to resume talks.
Vasco da Gama’s Formal €5 Million Bid Rejected
Vasco da Gama has taken a more proactive approach than the other interested clubs, submitting a formal offer of €5 million for Nino. While this move signals Vasco’s determination to acquire the player, Zenit promptly rejected the bid, deeming it far below their asking price.
The €5 million offer indicates Vasco’s intention to negotiate and possibly build relations for future deals, but it highlights the significant gap between the club’s valuation and that of Zenit. The refusal to lower the price demonstrates how much Zenit values Nino, both for his present contributions and potential future transfer market value.
Zenit’s Firm Position: No Sale Before Next Summer
One of the critical points underlined in Oliveira’s update is Zenit’s unwillingness to sell Nino before next summer. This suggests that the Russian club is either relying on the defender’s role in their current campaign or waiting for a more favorable transfer window to negotiate a deal that meets their valuation.
For interested Brazilian clubs, this means patience will be key if they wish to bring Nino back home. The window for signing him this season is effectively closed unless an unexpected development occurs.
What This Means for Brazilian Clubs and Nino’s Future
The interest from Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama highlights the growing trend of Brazilian players returning to the domestic league after successful stints abroad. It also underscores the challenges local teams face when competing financially with European counterparts or clubs in the strong Russian market, especially for players of steady international repute like Nino.
For the player himself, the possibility of returning to Brazil offers benefits such as increased visibility, proximity to family, and a chance to regain or maintain form for potential national team consideration. However, Zenit’s valuation and timeline place significant pressure on interested clubs to orchestrate well-planned strategies, whether through gradual negotiations, identifying alternative targets, or strengthening their bids.
Conclusion
The unfolding situation with Zenit defender Nino encapsulates the complexities of modern football transfers involving Brazilian talents abroad. Pablo Oliveira’s report sheds light on the serious interest from top Brazilian clubs Cruzeiro, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama, while also revealing Zenit’s firm stance on the player’s valuation and availability.
For now, Nino remains a key figure at Zenit, with his future transfer opportunities likely delayed until next summer. Brazilian fans and clubs will continue to watch closely, anticipating whether one of these historic clubs can meet Zenit’s demands to bring the talented defender back to Brazilian football.
Here’s a light and funny story about Nino, the Brazilian defender who plays for Zenit Saint Petersburg — nothing harmful, just good vibes.
The GPS Vest Mix-Up
When Nino first arrived at Zenit, he was still getting used to European training routines. One day before practice, the fitness coach handed him the little GPS tracking vest players wear to monitor distance and speed.
Nino looked at it, turned it upside down, then inside out. He clearly had no idea what it was. After a few seconds of confusion, he put it on like a regular shirt — backwards and over his training top.
The whole team just stared at him for a second before bursting out laughing. Even Nino looked down like:
“Why does my chest feel like a science experiment?”
Malcom showed him how to wear it properly, and now teammates still joke before training:
“Nino, need help dressing today?” 😂
