Fluminense continues to take the lead in signing defender Nino, who is expected to leave Zenit in the next transfer window. In recent days, however, Tricolor das Laranjeiras began to face competition from another Serie A club for the defender: Cruzeiro.
But how is the negotiation going? Is there a chance of him playing for Raposa? What are the values? THE Sporting News show.
MORE: Cruzeiro: Is Villalba injured? Are you going to play against Corinthians?
Nino on Cruzeiro?
According to “ESPN”, Raposa expressed interest in the player and is considering formalizing a proposal. It is worth noting that Zenit is trying to buy Jonathan Jesus, a celestial defender, and has already sent two offers for the 21-year-old athlete.
Nino, however, has already commented to people close to him that, if he returns to Brazilian football, his priority will be to defend Fluminense again. The Rio club has a verbal agreement with the player, but is still trying to convince Zenit to reduce the request — approximately 10 million euros (R$63 million).
The Russian club had paid 5 million euros (around R$27 million at the time) at the beginning of 2024 to take him away from Fluminense itself. In addition to Zenit’s sporting plans, the player’s family situation, especially because of his son Antonio, also influences the defender’s possible departure.
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Cruzeiro showed interest and should present a proposal for Nino (28), who should leave Zenit.
The defender, if he returns to Brazil, will give preference to Fluminense, who has a verbal agreement with the defender, but is trying to reduce Zenit’s request to negotiate the… pic.twitter.com/qRrsgOXX5o
— Conexão Cruzeiro (@conexaocec) December 12, 2025
Nino’s numbers for the season
In the current season, Nino started the 14 games he played for Zenit, 12 of which were in the Russian Championship. In the 2024/25 cycle, he accumulated 35 matches, with two goals and two assists.
