Zenit target Léo Ortiz if Nino seals Fluminense return | OneFootball

Zenit have prioritised Léo Ortiz as a defensive target. According to Coluna Do Fla, they would move only if Nino completes a return to Fluminense and Flamengo have merely been notified, with no official bid.

Ortiz has established himself since joining Flamengo, impressing with his distribution and technical quality. At 30, a move from Zenit could be his final chance to play in Europe.

Flamengo are not expected to ease his exit. Ortiz is a nailed-on starter, contracted until December 2028, and remains in head coach Leonardo Jardim’s plans. The board are focused on midfielders and forwards, not defensive cover.

Fluminense want to repatriate Nino. Talks have cooled in recent days after the announcement of Thiago Silva’s return, although the club still have a plan to sign the 2023 Libertadores winner.

To finance Nino, Fluminense are seeking funds. The club have received a R$ 50 million offer from Real Betis for Bernal and are also awaiting proposals for Canobbio, one of Uruguay’s World Cup standouts.

Source: Coluna Do Fla