The central defender was linked to the likes of Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Manchester City but has somewhat surprisingly joined Zenit on a five year deal with money most likely the main cause of the Russian move.
Zenit will pay a fee of just 15 million euros for Garay but Benfica will actually only stand to receive just 6 million euros from the sale with Real Madrid owning 50% of the player with a further 10% owned by a third parties.
The move will see the 27 year-old join the likes of Axel Witsel and Hulk as other players who have moved from Portgual to Zenit in big money moves in previous seasons.
Garay also will benefit his new team in set piece situations when attacking not just defending with the 21 time international scoring 8 goals in the league and the Europa league throughout the season.