Zenit resigned to Witsel Juve exit, recruiting two Brazilians to replace him
The Russian Premier League club has confirmed that it has signed midfielder Hernani from Atletico Paranaense. This wouldn’t be big news, if it wasn’t for the fact that the midfielder plays in the same role as Witsel, and cost 8 million, more of less the sum Juventus want to spend on the Belgian international.
Fox Sports Brazil also confirms that Mircea Lucescu’s side has given up on keeping Witsel, who revealed not so long ago that he’d definitely play for Juventus, “whether in January or in June”.
This would explain, according to the Brazilian outlet, why Renato Augusto is also in Lucescu’s sights: a recent acquisition for Beijing Guoan, the Selecao international is another name the Russians like.
Witsel could join Juventus as early as next week, and is considered a very convenient option because he’d be available for selection for the Champions League.
