Cruzeiro intensified negotiations to sign midfielder Gerson, currently at Zenit, from Rússia. The Minas Gerais club presented a proposal that includes a fixed 12 million euros, equivalent to around R$76 million, in addition to the inclusion of defender Jonathan Jesus in the deal. Essa movement takes place at the beginning of January 2026, aiming to reinforce the squad for the season’s competitions.
The negotiation involves amounts that can reach 15 million euros with targets achieved, related to titles and individual performance. Zenit, which acquired Gerson from Flamengo in July 2025 for 25 million euros, evaluates the conditions presented by the celestial team. Diretores of Cruzeiro demonstrate patience in the process, recognizing the complexity of the operation.
Gerson expressed his desire to return to Brazilian football, motivated by the proximity of Copa to Mundo and the chance to return to Seleção Brasileira’s radar. Seu father and businessman, Marcão Silva, reinforced this desire in recent statements, which facilitates dialogue with the Minas Gerais club.
Details of the celestial proposal
Cruzeiro structured the initial offer with a payment of 12 million euros in cash. Essa amount is added to the transfer of defender Jonathan Jesus, valued at approximately 12 million euros, totaling around 24 million euros in immediate values.
The proposal foresees increases that increase the amount to up to 15 million fixed euros. Esses bonuses depend on collective achievements, such as national or international titles, and the player’s individual goals throughout the contracts.
Jonathan Jesus, a young defender on the current squad, enters as an exchange piece to balance the finances. Businessman André Cury, who represents the defender, may give up part of his commission to make the agreement viable.
Initial refusals of Zenit
Zenit has rejected early approaches from Cruzeiro in recent weeks. The Russian club maintains a high request, close to 40 million euros, considered unrealistic by the celestial staff.
Despite the denials, talks remain active at the beginning of 2026. Sports director Joaquim Pinto, with previous experience in Russian football, assists in negotiations with Spartak Moscou as a past reference.
Zenit argues that Gerson adapted well to the squad and generates high expectations among the local fans. A departure now would represent a significant loss for the team’s planning in the Russian league.
Reasons for the return desired by Gerson
Gerson seeks proximity to Seleção Brasileira to compete for Copa from Mundo. Returning to Brasil increases your chances of being called up, as performances in local competitions gain more visibility.
The player maintains strong roots in Brazilian football, with remarkable spells at Flamengo. Ele won important titles before transferring to Europa and Rússia, which reinforces the appeal for a return.
Family members and representatives highlight the priority of playing at a high level in the country. Essa motivation aligns with the objectives of Cruzeiro, who competes for Copa Libertadores this season.
Context of the transfer in the market
Cruzeiro prioritizes strong reinforcements for 2026 after initial compositions in the squad. Gerson appears as the main option in midfield, comparable to signings like Gabigol and Dudu in previous years.
The club uses international connections to advance negotiations. The experience of managers in European and Russian markets facilitates direct contact with Zenit.
Other Brazilian clubs are monitoring the situation, but Cruzeiro is leading the current negotiations. Acordos advances on salaries with the player give the Minas Gerais team an advantage.
Statements from those involved
Pedro Junio, vice-president of Cruzeiro, confirmed the ongoing negotiations. Ele highlighted the difficulty of the process, but emphasized the daily persistence typical in mining negotiations.
Marcão Silva, father of Gerson, reinforced his son’s interest in returning to Brasil. Essa public position accelerates conversations and pressures Zenit to consider offers.
Joaquim Pinto contributes knowledge of Russian football to the discussions. Sua Passing through local clubs helps to understand the opponent’s demands at the negotiating table.
Possible future developments
Cruzeiro prepares counter-proposals in case the current one is rejected again. Including more financial variables or players can adjust the values to bring the parties closer together.
- Gradual increase in performance bonuses;
- Additional installments of fixed amounts;
- Percentage clauses in future sales;
- Contractual guarantees for the defender involved.
Negotiations can last for days or weeks at the beginning of the year. The celestial club balances patience with urgency to define the squad before official competitions.
The outcome depends on the flexibility of Zenit in reducing the initial request. Conversas direct meetings between leaders accelerate possible advances in the coming days.
Current status of negotiations
The parties maintain constant dialogue in January 2026. Cruzeiro awaits an official response to the last proposal sent, which combines payment and athlete exchange.
Gerson is following developments closely, with a salary agreement already in line with the Brazilian club. Essa preview facilitates any acceleration in the transfer process.
Zenit internally evaluates the midfield options if they release the player. The Russian board weighs the possible profit in relation to the investment made in the previous year.
Cruzeiro demonstrates moderate optimism behind the scenes. Experience in complex negotiations supports the strategy adopted so far, with a focus on enabling reinforcement.