Luiz Henrique stays at Zenit after Roma talks collapse, Brazilian return still possible | OneFootball

Luiz Henrique has remained at Zenit after late talks with Roma failed to produce a deal. The Brazil forward, who played at the last World Cup, will face Dinamo Makhachkala in the Russian league on Wednesday.

According to Globo.com, Roma offered 33 million euros plus five million in bonuses. They then raised it to 38 million euros plus five million, potentially 43 million, but Zenit rejected both before the window shut.

With the major European markets closed, a return to Brazil is one of few viable routes and clubs can still register until 11 September, though any move would be complex. The forward wants a change of scene, and Flamengo and Botafogo explored deals, but Zenit are holding firm.

Flamengo advanced furthest in early August with 30 million euros plus five million in add-ons, and Luiz Henrique approved the move, which would have made him the squad’s highest earner. The deal stalled after director José Boto signalled up to 35 million euros, only for president Luiz Eduardo Baptista to impose a lower cap, so Flamengo walked away.

Botafogo also showed interest, but finances complicate any purchase at Zenit’s valuation. A swap involving Danilo was discussed, yet he does not intend to play in Russia and did not open talks.

Another obstacle is a US$ 11 million debt owed to Zenit from the 2025 signing of Artur, included in the club’s judicial recovery. Internally, a return for Luiz Henrique is treated as a dream, but the deal is viewed as difficult.

Talks with Brazilian clubs could still be revisited before the deadline, but no new agreement is in place and the player remains available to Zenit. He aims to regain a Brazil call-up and awaits Carlo Ancelotti’s squad on nine September for friendlies against Australia and India.

Luiz Henrique, 25, is under contract until December 2029, having joined Zenit in January 2025 after helping Botafogo win the 2024 Libertadores and Brasileirão, when he was named Rei da América.

Source: Globo.com

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”