Yaroslav Rakitskyi's Departure from Chornomorets
Yaroslav Rakitskyi has left Odesa's Chornomorets by mutual consent, making him a free agent. This move concludes his tenure with the club, which began when he joined in March 2023. During his time at Chornomorets, the defender made 26 appearances and scored 3 goals.
Yaroslav Rakitskyi's Career Overview
The 36-year-old Rakitskyi brings a wealth of professional experience. He spent nine and a half seasons with Shakhtar Donetsk, winning the Ukrainian Premier League title eight times and securing six domestic Cups and Super Cups. He transferred to Zenit Saint Petersburg for the 2018/19 season but left Russia following the onset of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Rakitskyi then played for the Turkish club Adana Demirspor before returning to Shakhtar in January 2023. In his most recent spell with Shakhtar, he won two more UPL titles and the Ukrainian Cup in the 2023/24 season. He has also earned 54 caps for the Ukrainian national team, scoring 4 goals.
As for Chornomorets, the team enters the winter break of the 2025/26 season sitting third in the First League, just one point behind second place. The spring portion of their campaign begins on March 21, with a home match in Odesa against YKSA from the Kyiv region. Chornomorets defeated this opponent in the first half of the season. The club is now under the leadership of head coach Roman Hryhorchuk, who has taken charge for a third time, replacing Oleksandr Kucher.
Therefore, Yaroslav Rakitskyi departs Chornomorets as a free agent while the club continues its push for promotion.
Rakitskyi's exit could be a pivotal moment for the club as it strives to maintain its high standing in the First League. With new head coach Roman Hryhorchuk at the helm, Chornomorets has an opportunity to refine its play and strengthen the squad for the season's final stretch. For his part, Rakitskyi, given his extensive experience and successful career, is now positioned to seek a new club.
Source: Sports News