Oleksandr Karavayev rejoins Shakhtar Donetsk
Oleksandr Karavayev, a defender for Dynamo Kyiv, has rejected a contract extension and will return to Shakhtar Donetsk, where a two-year deal awaits him. Having been part of Shakhtar’s setup since 2011, Karavayev moved to Dynamo in July 2019. This season, he has appeared in 31 matches, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. His current contract with Dynamo runs until the end of the season.
Dynamo extends partnership with Ihor Kostyuk
Separately, Dynamo has renewed its collaboration with head coach Ihor Kostyuk for an additional two years. The 50-year-old Kostyuk served as interim head coach from November to December 2025 following the dismissal of Oleksandr Shovkovskyi. He was officially appointed as permanent head coach on December 17, 2025. His previous agreement was set to expire at the end of the current season, but both parties are now moving forward with an extended arrangement.
Currently, Dynamo sits in fourth place in the Premier League standings and remains in contention for the Ukrainian Cup. The cup final is scheduled for May 20, where the team will face Chernihiv. This information was sourced from the Telegram channel Dynamo Kyiv Inside.
Karavayev’s return to Shakhtar could signal roster shifts for two of Ukraine’s top clubs, potentially impacting their performance in the national league going forward.
Meanwhile, securing Kostyuk’s contract extension may represent a strategic move for Dynamo as it seeks stability and success in upcoming seasons, particularly in its pursuit of the Ukrainian Cup.
As Karavayev transitions back to Shakhtar, the dynamics of both clubs may shift significantly. In light of this, it's noteworthy that Dynamo has chosen to secure the future of coach Ihor Kostiuk, ensuring continuity as they aim for success in the upcoming Ukrainian Cup final and the league. This strategic decision could play a crucial role in Dynamo's performance in the seasons ahead.