Wendel (footballer, born 1997)

Wendel started his professional career in Tigres do Brasil's youth team. In 2017, he was rumoured to make a move to Flamengo, but eventually went to Fluminense where he excelled in the U-20s and was eventually chosen by Abel Braga to move to the main team, in February 2017.

From then on, he became a regular starter in Fluminense's midfield and quickly came to be considered one of the great promises of Brazilian football, due to being a complete player, with good technique, shooting power, speed and strength.

At the end of 2017, his name began to be spoken of as a possible reinforcement to Paris Saint-Germain, but their problems with financial fair play rules prevented the business from advancing.

Eventually, he signed a contract with Sporting Clube de Portugal in January 2018 for 7.5 million euros, valid until 2023, with a termination clause fixed at 60 million euros, with Fluminense receiving 10% of the money.

Wendel initially had difficulty adapting to the tempo and tactics of European football which led to low playing time during the early campaign. However, after the appointment of Marcel Keizer as manager of the club, Wendel became an important member of the squad and a usual starter. In the beginning of December, Wendel suffered a left knee sprain which sidelined him for 2 months.

On 6 October 2020, Wendel joined Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg on a five-year contract.[2]