Zenit St. Petersburg added some significant talent to their squad on Monday after signing Axel Witsel from Benfica and Hulk from Porto. The two players have proven their worth in Portugal and they will now take their talents to the Russian League.
Looking at both transfers, Benfica fans may be more upset considering they lost two of their best midfielders in the matter of a few days.
The transfer of Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia to Manchester City before the transfer deadline was already a big enough blow, but now Witsel's departure leaves 'Benfiquistas' worried.
Since arriving at the Estadio da Luz, Witsel has been a fan favorite and has been scouted by many across Europe. The new Zenit signing is part of a very promising generation of Belgian 'stars' and he will now have a chance to prove himself in a new and extremely cold Eastern European country.
In 48 league appearances last season for the 'Aguias', Witsel scored five goals with two coming in the UEFA Champions League. He will have a chance to play UEFA Champions League football as his new club was drawn into Group C along with AC Milan, Anderlecht and Malaga.
Benfica not only lost a young and talented player, but they now have to adjust to no longer having a true box-to-box midfielder in their squad. Witsel was known to not only help defensively, but along with Javi Garcia, the two were capable of protecting the back-line as well as getting forward. Without the Belgian, Benfica's midfield could struggle until they learn to play without him, but Carlos Martins and Matic will get a chance to cement their spot in the squad.
Further north in Porto, Zenit made another record deal with the purchase of Brazilian international Hulk for a reported €40 million. The full transfer will cost Zenit €60 million, but Porto only owns 85% of Hulk's rights, so the remaining 15% or €20 million will go to a third party company.
Hulk will be a big boost to Zenit's squad considering his pace, strength and ability to find the back of the net. 169 appearances later, Hulk contributed 78 goals and 55 assists in his time in Portugal. Porto will certainly miss him, but not nearly as much as their rivals will miss Witsel.
Having left a void in the starting XI for Porto, Portuguese international Varela may have a chance to break into the team. Another option could be Christian Atsu who was on loan last season to Rio Ave and proved to be very dangerous with his pace having scored six goals.
Colombian international James Rodriguez could benefit from the transfer of Hulk as he will look to be Porto's new 'go to' guy. Similar to Hulk, Rodriguez can play anywhere across the middle and he has a dangerous left strike which has already earned him some goals.
Going forward, Hulk is difficult to deal with and makes things extremely difficult for opposing defenses. Some of the defenders in the Russian League may not be very happy with his arrival.
The transfer of Spanish midfielder Javi Garcia to Manchester City before the transfer deadline was already a big enough blow, but now Witsel's departure leaves 'Benfiquistas' worried.
Since arriving at the Estadio da Luz, Witsel has been a fan favorite and has been scouted by many across Europe. The new Zenit signing is part of a very promising generation of Belgian 'stars' and he will now have a chance to prove himself in a new and extremely cold Eastern European country.
In 48 league appearances last season for the 'Aguias', Witsel scored five goals with two coming in the UEFA Champions League. He will have a chance to play UEFA Champions League football as his new club was drawn into Group C along with AC Milan, Anderlecht and Malaga.
Benfica not only lost a young and talented player, but they now have to adjust to no longer having a true box-to-box midfielder in their squad. Witsel was known to not only help defensively, but along with Javi Garcia, the two were capable of protecting the back-line as well as getting forward. Without the Belgian, Benfica's midfield could struggle until they learn to play without him, but Carlos Martins and Matic will get a chance to cement their spot in the squad.
Further north in Porto, Zenit made another record deal with the purchase of Brazilian international Hulk for a reported €40 million. The full transfer will cost Zenit €60 million, but Porto only owns 85% of Hulk's rights, so the remaining 15% or €20 million will go to a third party company.
Hulk will be a big boost to Zenit's squad considering his pace, strength and ability to find the back of the net. 169 appearances later, Hulk contributed 78 goals and 55 assists in his time in Portugal. Porto will certainly miss him, but not nearly as much as their rivals will miss Witsel.
Having left a void in the starting XI for Porto, Portuguese international Varela may have a chance to break into the team. Another option could be Christian Atsu who was on loan last season to Rio Ave and proved to be very dangerous with his pace having scored six goals.
Colombian international James Rodriguez could benefit from the transfer of Hulk as he will look to be Porto's new 'go to' guy. Similar to Hulk, Rodriguez can play anywhere across the middle and he has a dangerous left strike which has already earned him some goals.
Going forward, Hulk is difficult to deal with and makes things extremely difficult for opposing defenses. Some of the defenders in the Russian League may not be very happy with his arrival.
