Oleksandr Karavaev's Move to Shakhtar Donetsk
Oleksandr Karavaev has joined Shakhtar Donetsk from Kyiv’s Dynamo, ending a seven-season stint with the capital club. The transfer was driven by limited game time at Dynamo during the 2025/26 campaign, where Karavaev remained an unused substitute on seven occasions in the second half of the season. Notably, Karavaev came through Shakhtar’s youth academy, making his return to the club particularly significant.
Karavaev on His Decision
“When I was in Shakhtar’s academy and graduated, I already had thoughts that I might have a chance to break through and play for the first team—I went to training camps, but I never appeared in official matches. Over time, those thoughts faded. But for me, this is a sign: when the country’s champion club offers you a chance to strengthen their squad, I see it as a recognition of hard work and that it’s all being noticed.” — Oleksandr Karavaev
In discussing his decision with former teammates like Yarmolenko, Buyalskyi, and Shaparenko, Karavaev received crucial advice.
“Of course, I talked to the guys from Dynamo, because there are players there I’ve been with from the very beginning. When the news came out that there was interest in me, they asked about it. I also asked them for advice, and they said things that meant a lot to me. Those words will stay with me forever.” — Oleksandr Karavaev
Meanwhile, at Dynamo, forward Ponomarenko became the Premier League’s top scorer of the season with 13 goals in 15 matches. The team also won the 2025/26 Ukrainian Cup final, where Buyalskyi scored a brace and Yarmolenko added the third goal. Dynamo fans supported Karavaev throughout his seven-year tenure at the club, and he expressed his respect for them, stating: “I have great respect for Dynamo fans, because they cheered for me for seven years. And of course, I deeply respect Shakhtar fans, since I came through the club’s academy.”
Ultimately, Oleksandr Karavaev is returning to Shakhtar to reboot his career and secure regular playing time—a vital step in his professional growth.
This move highlights Shakhtar’s ongoing strategy of bringing back academy graduates, which can strengthen ties with supporters and boost team morale. It also reflects shifting squad dynamics for both clubs: Dynamo continues to develop young talents who thrive on the pitch, while Shakhtar looks to improve their performance in upcoming seasons.
In light of recent developments in Ukrainian football, the focus now shifts to the national team's performance as they faced a setback against Sweden, ultimately crushing their hopes for the 2026 World Cup. This outcome highlights the challenges that both club and national levels are currently navigating. To learn more about this critical match and its implications for Ukraine's football future, read our detailed coverage on the recent playoff loss here.