Several MLS Teams interested in Zenit’s Igor Smolnikov

Igor Smolnikov in 2018. Photo by Lukasz Laskowski/Press Focus/Shutterstock (9727152i)

Russian international Igor Smolnikov is set to leave Zenit this summer, and it appears that a move to MLS might be on the cards for the 31-year-old defender.

Smolnikov is currently on an expiring contract and already decided not to renew with Zenit. According to the player’s agent, who talked with Russia’s edition of Eurosport, his client was already approached by several MLS teams and would be interested in playing in the United States.

Reportedly, the only issue represents Smolnikov’s high salary demands. He isn’t willing to accept less than $1 million a year, which largely narrows down the list of his suitors.

Giving Smolnikov such salary would require a team to use a Designated Player spot on him. Currently, New York Red Bulls, Vancouver Whitecaps, and Portland Timbers meet this condition, but there isn’t an obvious fit with either of these teams.

Igor Smolnikov joined Zenit in 2013 and has since made 181 appearances in all competitions while helping the club win three Russian Football Premier League titles. He previously played with Torpedo Moscow and Lokomotiv Moscow, among other clubs.

Smolnikov made his debut with Russia’s national team in 2013 and managed to play 29 games since then.

Harley loves music and tries to go to a music festival every summer. When he's not listening to music, he writes about movies, food and wine, art, and sport.