Shakhtar’s New Signing from Kryvbas Set for Sevenfold Salary Boost

Gleiker Mendoza’s Move to Shakhtar Donetsk

According to Главком: Venezuelan winger Gleiker Mendoza has completed a transfer from Kryvbas to Shakhtar Donetsk, marking a pivotal moment for both clubs. As a result of this move, Mendoza’s wages are expected to increase roughly seven times, underscoring his value to his new team. He has signed a five-year contract, reflecting Shakhtar’s serious commitment to investing in the talented player. At 24 years old, Mendoza has already made a name for himself in the Ukrainian Premier League (UPL), where during the 2025/26 season he appeared in 26 matches, scored 11 goals, and provided 11 assists.

Notably, Mendoza scored four goals in a match against Dynamo Kyiv that ended 5–6. According to Transfermarkt, his market value is estimated at €1.2 million. He made his debut for Venezuela’s national team in January 2025 and has since earned seven caps. Shakhtar activated Mendoza’s release clause for €3 million, confirming his standing in the football market. Earlier, clubs from the Czech Republic, Greece, and most teams from Ukraine’s top five league had shown interest in his services.

Changes at Polissya Zhytomyr

Amid this transfer, a significant change has also occurred at Polissya Zhytomyr. The club officially announced the end of its partnership with Brazilian defender Lucas Taylor. Taylor joined Polissya on October 18, 2023, and during his tenure, he played 33 matches, scoring one goal and providing two assists. Now 31 years old, his contract expires on June 30 and will not be renewed. In the 2024/25 season, Taylor made only one appearance for Polissya, playing against Santa Coloma in the UEFA Conference League qualifiers. However, in that match, he suffered a severe ligament injury that sidelined him for eight months of rehabilitation.

Lucas Taylor has previously played for several clubs, including Shakhtar Donetsk, Dnipro-1, FC Lviv, and Greek side PAOK. The termination of his contract with Polissya opens up new opportunities for both parties as they seek fresh challenges in their respective careers.

Mendoza’s transfer to Shakhtar not only highlights the club’s focus on developing young talent but also signals growing competition in Ukraine’s transfer market. Given the player’s past successes, this deal could prove crucial for Shakhtar’s future achievements in domestic and European tournaments. - football expert

As for Taylor, his departure from Polissya creates new career prospects, which could be an important step in his recovery from injury and in finding new opportunities in football.

As Shakhtar Donetsk continues to strengthen its squad, the club is reportedly pursuing additional talent, including a potential deal for Karavaev. This follows the recent acquisition of two significant signings that aim to enhance their competitive edge in the league, indicating a strategic approach to building a formidable team for the upcoming season.