All the top teams that Europe wanted to Hulk, but he was transferred to Russia Zenith St. Petersburgh. Belgian Axel Witsel followed him to.

Champions League Zenit St. Petersburg have been royally reinforced by signing two of Portugal’s top division stars, Porto’s Hulk and Benfica’s Axel Witsel. The deals are an estimated 40 million euro each – an unprecedented sum for a Russian club.

The two transfers were confirmed late on Monday, causing a stir both in Russia and in Portugal. Both players have signed five-year deals with the St. Petersburg side and will join the club after returning from their respective national sides.

Givanildo Vieira de Souza, commonly known as Hulk, won ten major titles during his four-year stay at Porto – including the 2011 Europa League, and three national championships. The 26-year-old was also once crowned the league’s top scorer, and was named the Player of the Year twice.

Hulk played with Brazil at the 2012 Summer Olympics as an overaged player, helping his team take silver in London.

Zenit had to beat strong opposition to add the player to their roster, as English powerhouse Chelsea were also interested in his services.

Axel Witsel, in his turn, is regarded as one of the most talented young Belgian players. He spent last season at Benfica helping his team reach the Champions League quarterfinals.

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