Leandro Paredes, Zenit Agree to Contract After €23 Million Roma Transfer

AS Roma starlet Leandro Paredes has completed his shock move to Zenit Saint Petersburg, joining the Russian side in a €23 million transfer.

Zenit announced the news via Twitter:

The 23-year-old Argentina international was widely regarded as one of Roma's top young talents and an up-and-coming star in Serie A. He was a regular contributor in the Giallorossi's stacked midfield.

Football Paradise's Srijandeep Das didn't understand how such a great prospect ended up in Russia:

Blessed with excellent passing range, vision and physical tools, Paredes can anchor just about any midfield unit, find forwards in space and chip in a few goals himself. For the reported fee of €23 million―with bonuses potentially adding €4 million to the fee, per Roma's official website―Zenit are buying a tremendous young player with excellent upside.

One has to wonder why Europe's elite clubs weren't all over Paredes and instead allowed him to fall into Zenit's lap.  

Paredes is the second top talent to leave the Giallorossi in quick succession, with Mohamed Salah completing a move to Liverpool in June.