26-year-old Russian midfielder Ilzat Akhmetov officially moved from FC Krasnodar to Zenit St. Petersburg.

As Krasnodar marked in the official statement, player used option in the contract to terminate it, the club will get financial compensation. Zenit reported, Akhmetov’s contract was signed until the end of 2025/26 season, but it has one-year extension option.

It is not the first time, when midfielder joined Zenit; he was on try-out during summer 2018, when Sergey Semak started as team head coach, but later Akhmetov signed with CSKA.

Player spent one-and-half seasons with Krasnodar since joining in July 2022. In all competitions with the Bulls Akhmetov played 61 matches and scored seven goals. Midfielder made RPL debut in 2014, now he has 150 league appearances and seven goals.

Akhmetov became fourth Zenit signing this winter following the arrival of Brazilians Pedro, Nino, and Artur. Krasnodar earlier agreed move of Kevin Castano from Cruz Azul, Mexico.

In RPL standings Krasnodar and Zenit are in the title race, as the Bulls go top with 38 points in 18 matches, while Zenit are second with two points behind.