Dovbyk Reveals Why He Never Joined Dynamo and Calls Youth Football a 'Mafia'

Roadblocks on the Path to Dynamo Kyiv

According to Главком: Artem Dovbyk, the Ukrainian national team striker who now plays for Roma in Italy, has opened up about his failed attempts to join Dynamo Kyiv as a child. He explained that he had several opportunities to enter the prestigious club, with trials and positive feedback from coaches, but final agreements were never reached. According to Dovbyk, the deals fell through because he was already tied to Dnipro with a preliminary contract.

He stated:

“They brought me to Dynamo, and it seemed like everything was settled-but it wasn’t, because I was already with Dnipro and had signed a pre-contract.”

Current Situation at Roma and Possible Transfers

Dovbyk currently plays for Roma, but his position in the squad is uncertain. Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has not included him in his plans, prompting the striker to consider leaving the club. Spanish side Real Betis has made an offer to Roma for a loan deal, willing to pay between €15 and €16 million-but Roma considers this amount too low. Villarreal has also shown interest in signing Dovbyk, and Atlético Madrid previously made a bid that Roma turned down.

• 2025/26 season: 18 appearances for Roma across all competitions
• 3 goals scored and 2 assists
• Missed nearly the entire second half of the season due to a serious injury

Dovbyk’s potential transfer could be a key turning point in his career, as he seeks a stable spot in the starting lineup. His injuries and lack of playing time at Roma are pushing him to explore new opportunities, which may shape his future both at the club level and internationally. Success with a new team could open fresh doors for Dovbyk after a challenging period in his career.

As Dovbyk navigates his uncertain future at Roma, the club has set a specific valuation for his potential transfer. This decision could significantly impact his next steps and career trajectory. For more details on the financial expectations surrounding Dovbyk's departure, check out our coverage on Roma's asking price for Dovbyk.