As Barcelona’s summer transfer plans unraveled following a failed pursuit of Nico Williams, a surprising subplot emerged involving Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg. The former Champions League outfit unexpectedly inserted themselves into the transfer saga — not with a player or a bid, but with money and an unexpected sense of humor.
In what has now become one of the most bizarre and amusing episodes of the transfer window, Zenit brutally trolled Barcelona with a six-word message after the Catalan giants failed to land the Athletic Club star.
Zenit tries to help Barcelona — With cash?
As speculation intensified over Nico Williams’ potential move to Camp Nou, many assumed it was only a matter of time before the 22-year-old winger would join his Spain teammate Lamine Yamal in Catalonia. Reports had widely claimed that personal terms were agreed on a six-year deal, and Barcelona was working to meet the $106 million release clause.
However, the Catalans’ well-documented financial limitations under La Liga’s strict spending rules kept negotiations in limbo. Amid the noise, Zenit Saint Petersburg stepped in — in the most unexpected way possible. Last month, the Russian side posted a video on TikTok, revealing they had sent a monetary donation to Barcelona, accompanied by the caption: “For Nico Williams from Zenit.”
The soccer world was left stunned, wondering why a Russian club would assist a La Liga giant with transfer funding. The answer, as Zenit later clarified, was a humorous nod to past business. “You gave us Malcom, so happy to help!” the Zenit social media team explained in response to a Barcelona fan page on X (formerly Twitter).
Barcelona sold Brazilian winger Malcom to Zenit in 2019 for around $50 million, just a year after signing him from Bordeaux. The forward went on to score 42 goals in 109 games and win four Russian league titles, as well as the Russian Cup and four Super Cups. In 2023, he was sold to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia for approximately $70 million, turning into one of Zenit’s most lucrative signings.
So, in their eyes, helping the Balugrana sign a new winger seemed like a fair exchange — until it wasn’t.
Nico stays in Bilbao — Zenit responds
Just when Barcelona fans thought the deal might finally happen, Nico Williams stunned the market by committing his future to Athletic Bilbao. The 22-year-old signed a new eight-year contract with the Basque club, with his confirmed release clause still intact.
The player’s choice to stay with his brother Inaki Williams, and remain part of Athletic Club’s generational core, effectively ended Barcelona’s pursuit — and left Zenit with a bit of buyer’s remorse. In a perfectly timed and hilarious follow-up, Zenit posted on X: “Can we have our money back?”
