He signed a contract with Sporting Clube de Portugal in January 2018, valid until 2023, with a termination clause, with Fluminense receiving 10% of the money.[citation needed] 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 a usual starter. In the beginning of December, Wendel suffered a left knee sprain which sidelined him for 2 months.[citation needed]
Zenit Saint Petersburg
On 6 October 2020, Wendel joined Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg on a five-year contract.[2] On 21 July 2022, Wendel extended his contract with Zenit until 2027.[3] On 11 September 2022, Wendel scored the first hat-trick of his career in a 8–0 victory against FC Orenburg.[4] In August 2024, he extended his contract with Zenit to June 2028.[5]