In the 2017 Campeonato Brasileiro Série A season, Wendel played 33 matches and scored 5 goals.

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.

In the beginning of December, Wendel suffered a left knee sprain which sidelined him for 2 months.

[citation needed] On 6 October 2020, Wendel joined Russian club Zenit Saint Petersburg on a five-year contract.