On August 23, Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo reported that Zenit was close to acquiring striker Luciano Gondou. It seemed like just another rumor, one of those left over during the summer maintenance. But then the story was backed up by other major portals in the country, publishing various details about the upcoming deal. And yesterday the footballer confirmed that he was flying to St. Petersburg. Can you already imagine Alexander Sobolev’s face at this moment? It seems that Gondou is the player who covers a similar role required by the St. Petersburg coach.
Is the agreement with Sobolev really like that?
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What is known about Gondou’s possible transfer?
Following Merlot’s intuition, the information was picked up by the important Argentine publication Olé. And details were added. In the country, Gondou’s possible transfer is compared to the case of Nicolás Domínguez, which occurred several years ago. Then, within a few days, an agreement was reached with Bologna for 17.5 million euros and the transition was described as “lightning fast.” Now it is a similar story. According to Ole, the clubs reached an agreement very quickly and the transfer is almost ready. And Gondou could become the most expensive sale in the history of Argentinos Juniors. The previous achievement was achieved after the transfer of Nicolás González to Stuttgart for 11.2 million euros.
According to the source, the St. Petersburg club is willing to pay around 12 million euros for the player and on Saturday 24 August he and his representatives travelled to Russia for the final stage of negotiations. The striker was offered a four-year contract with the possibility of a one-year extension. Yesterday Gondou confirmed that he was close to joining Zenit: “This is a good step in my career and a wonderful club.”
According to the Telegram channel Kafeshka, the club sought the player on the advice of Alejandro Dominguez, who now works as an agent. However, other details of the deal have not yet appeared in the Russian media. And on Sunday evening the boy himself confirmed his transfer.
Why are you so eager to see Sobolev in St. Petersburg?
Why does Zenit need Sobolev?
What’s so good about the Argentine striker?
This is not a classic post player. Rather, he is a powerful striker, capable of pressing and with a good shot. He is 189 cm tall, so he is definitely not a footballer for quick transitions to attack and sudden explosions. But he is periodically granted the right to take free kicks.
The 23-year-old striker has a good reputation in Argentina. He plays for the club from which Diego Maradona moved to Barcelona. And this team always receives special attention. Gondou is a graduate of Atlético Sarmiento, where he played a total of 85 games and scored 17+6. And in the summer of 2023 he moved to Argentinos Juniors for 3.1 million euros, where he scored 14+5 in just 38 games.
Luciano Gondou in Argentina’s youth team
Photo: Claudio Villa/Getty Images
Curiously, he was not even in the squad for the team’s last match against Huracán. Perhaps another sign that the transfer is close.
Gondou is highly regarded in Argentina’s youth team. First, he helped the team qualify for the 2024 Olympics, scoring the decisive goal against the Brazilians. And in the finals he played in all four of his country’s matches.
At the same time, it is possible that Gondou’s transfer will be a story that will not affect the possible transfer of Alexander Sobolev. One way or another, Zenit could use three central strikers, and if a Russian arrives, the club will have the opportunity to release Ivan Sergeev.
