Shakhtar's Pre-Season Friendlies in Slovenia
Shakhtar Donetsk has confirmed the opponents for their summer training camp in Slovenia, featuring a series of test matches. The Ukrainian champions will play three games against Croatian clubs and one against a Turkish side. On July 19, they face NK Rudeš, followed by Slaven Belupo on July 21, and Gorica on July 23. All three matches kick off at 19:00 Kyiv time. The camp concludes on July 26 with a meeting against Turkish club Bursaspor.
Squad for Summer Preparations
Shakhtar closed out last season by winning the Ukrainian Premier League title, earning them a direct spot in the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League group stage. Their new league campaign begins on August 1 against Kudrivka.
Head coach Arda Turan has selected a 34-man squad for the training camp. The roster includes four new signings: Oleksandr Karavaev, Ryan Roberto, Bruninho, and Gleiker Mendoza. Notably, Giorgi Gocholeishvili returns after a loan spell.
The full squad list for the summer camp is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Dmytro Riznyk, Denys Tvardovskyi, Kiril Fesyun, Rostyslav Bahlay.
- Defenders: Diego Arroyo, Marlon Santos, Valeriy Bondar, Giorgi Gocholeishvili, Pedro Henrique, Irakli Azarov, Vinicius Tobias, Alaa Gram, Oleksandr Karavaev, Mykola Matviienko.
- Midfielders: Marlon Gomes, Eguinaldo, Dmytro Kryskiv, Pedrinho, Neilton, Isaque, Lucas Ferreira, Artem Bondarenko, Viktor Tsukanov, Oleh Ocheretko, Yehor Nazaryna, Alison, Denys Smetana, Prosper Obah, Ryan Roberto, Gleiker Mendoza, Bruninho.
- Forwards: Lassina Traoré, Kauan Elias, Lucas Meirelles.
With this preparation, Shakhtar is building toward the new season, focusing on squad cohesion and readiness for key fixtures. The pre-season friendlies in Slovenia offer the coaching staff a crucial opportunity to evaluate new arrivals and sharpen team chemistry ahead of the UPL start. Maintaining a blend of experience and youth could prove vital for their Champions League campaign and domestic defense.
In addition to their summer training camp preparations, Shakhtar has also made headlines by securing a promising young talent with a record-breaking U-19 signing. This strategic move highlights the club's commitment to strengthening their squad for the upcoming season. To learn more about this exciting addition, visit Shakhtar's latest signing.