Zenit seal deal for Krasnodar defender Smolnikov
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
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Play-off contenders FC Zenit have made defender Igor Smolnikov their sixth summer signing, paying FC Krasnodar a reported €6m for the 25-year-old.
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FC Zenit have completed the signing of FC Krasnodar defender Igor Smolnikov for a reported fee of €6m.
The 25-year-old has put the finishing touches to a transfer which was first announced on Tuesday by the three-time Russian champions. It is not known what length of contract Smolnikov has agreed.
Smolnikov becomes coach Luciano Spalletti's sixth summer recruit following the arrival of goalkeeper Yuri Lodygin, left-back Cristian Ansaldi and midfielders Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Ivan Solovyov and Andrey Arshavin.
A verstaile player, Smolnikov can operate on the right of defence and midfield or in a holding role. He began his career at FC Torpedo Moskva in 2006 and has since turned out for FC Lokomotiv Moskva, FC Ural Ekaterinburg, FC Chita, FC Zhemchuzhina Sochi and FC Rostov. Smolnikov spent last term with Krasnodar, making 26 top-flight appearances.
His new employers will meet FC Paços de Ferreira in the UEFA Champions League play-off round, with the first leg in Portugal on 20 August.
