Zenit, from Russia, cooled Palmeiras’ interest in signing defender Nino. According to Itatiaia’s investigation, the Russians signaled that there is no intention of negotiating the defender at this time.
Those interested in hiring him, like , need great convincing power, in addition to a robust proposal, to seduce the Zenit board. The defender has a contract until June 2028 and should not force a departure.
The Russian club, in fact, has a reputation for being difficult negotiators. He himself had setbacks in previous negotiations, such as the attempt by the midfielder.
Nino was bought for 5 million euros (around R$27 million at the time) in 2024, when he left Fluminense after winning the Copa Libertadores.
Signing a defender is one of Palmeiras’ priorities in the transfer window, and Nino is one of the board’s options, as revealed to Itatiaia in early December.
In addition to the defense, Verdão maps targets for the midfield. Midfielder Marlon Freitas, from Botafogo, has negotiations underway to join the club.
Nino spends vacation in Brazil
Nino’s situation is considered stable in Russian football. He has prestige at Zenit, an advantageous contract and a good quality of life. The defender is on vacation in Brazil amid the winter break in the Russian championship.
Depending on the proposals that arrive from Brazilian football, Nino will evaluate them carefully and does not rule out returning to the country. Fluminense is a competitor to Palmeiras in the hiring dispute.
A Zenit starter, Nino played 14 games and scored one goal this season. The defender gained prominence in Brazilian football when he played for Fluminense, between 2019 and 2023, being captain of the unprecedented Copa Libertadores victory.
