Roy Navi Joins Kryvbas
Israeli midfielder Roy Navi has moved to Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih on loan from Maccabi Tel Aviv. The agreement includes a purchase option, giving Kryvbas the chance to secure him permanently once the loan period ends. Navi will wear the number 17 jersey for his new club. A product of Maccabi's academy, he never made a senior appearance for the team.
Previously, Navi gained experience on loan at Hapoel Petah Tikva and Hapoel Haifa. He also represented Israel at youth level, earning six caps for the U21 side.
2026/27 UPL Season Kicks Off
Last season, Navi played 26 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist. His contract with Maccabi runs until summer 2028, highlighting the club's long-term investment in his development.
The 2026/27 Ukrainian Premier League season begins on August 1. The opening round fixtures are:
- Kryvbas vs. Karpaty
- Bukovyna vs. LNZ
- Dynamo vs. Livyi Bereh
- Zorya vs. Kolos
- Kharkiv vs. Veres
- Kudrivka vs. Shakhtar
- Chornomorets vs. Polissia
- Epitsentr vs. Obolon
Defending champions Shakhtar Donetsk will start their title defense away to Kudrivka. The Shakhtar-Dynamo derby is scheduled for matchdays 12 and 27, with the first leg tentatively set for November 7 and the second for May 15.
Regarding coaching accolades in the UPL, the Best Coach award was first presented at the end of the 2008/09 season. Mircea Lucescu holds the record with seven wins, underscoring his dominance in Ukrainian football.
Additionally, Kharkiv-based club Metalist 1925 has rebranded and is now simply called Kharkiv. In the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, Dynamo defeated Chernihiv, with midfielder Buyalskyi scoring a brace and winger Yarmolenko netting the third goal. These developments show that Ukrainian football remains dynamic and eventful.
Roy Navi's transfer to Kryvbas marks a significant step for both clubs. For Kryvbas, it is a chance to strengthen the squad with a young talent experienced in youth internationals and previous loans. The loan-with-option structure also reflects a strategic approach to team building. Meanwhile, the new UPL season promises excitement, with many matches likely to shape the title race and European qualification spots.
As the new season approaches, clubs are making significant adjustments to their strategies. For instance, Obolon will be playing away games until October due to stadium renovations, which could impact their performance in the early stages of the league. Such developments highlight the evolving landscape of Ukrainian football as teams prepare for the challenges ahead.