Monaco’s Aleksandr Golovin nearing Russia return | OneFootball

Aleksandr Golovin (30) is nearing a return to Russia, as per a report from Foot Mercato. The AS Monaco playmaker could join Zenit St. Petersburg.

Golovin joined Monaco back in 2018 and is by far the most long-serving player in Filipe Luís’ squad. However, he could now be set to depart, with the transfer window in Russia still open. Monaco need to sell players, not only to decrease their wage bill, but also to ensure an injection of funds. Folarin Balogun’s prospective move to Everton was set to do just that, however, his move to Merseyside ultimately fell through at the final moment.

There could be movement at the Stade Louis II, therefore, despite the closure of the transfer window in France. Golovin, in talks with Zenit St. Petersburg for several weeks, could make a permanent exit, as could Pape Cabral, who could join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a €10m deal, as per L’Équipe.

Those departures would allow Monaco to register a ‘joker’ signing. That could be Hicham Boudaoui from local rivals OGC Nice, Foot Mercato understands.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle