Zenit was one of several clubs, alongside Benfica, Nottingham Forest, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, and Hull City, that showed interest in acquiring central midfielder Gustavo Puerta from Racing Santander before his transfer to Olympiacos. The Greek club acquired the 23-year-old Colombian international by paying his €16 million release clause. Puerta has 11 caps and one goal for his country. The transfer was the most expensive ever by a Greek club. It is reported that the total cost of the move is close to €20 million, including other expenses. The transfer fee was split because Racing Santander and Bayer Leverkusen co-owned the player's rights on a 50/50 basis. Leverkusen received €8.5 million of the fee, and Santander obtained the remaining €7.5 million. Transfermarkt estimates Puerta's market value at €18.00m. He had joined Racing Santander from Bayer Leverkusen in September 2025 for a fee that was reportedly €3.5M.