(foto: Getty Images)
Shakhtar Donetsk may have been somewhat overlooked by Europe’s elite in recent years, but the Ukrainian giants have quietly completed one of their biggest-ever transfers by signing 18-year-old Brazilian talent Kauã Elias.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine, Shakhtar pulled off an ambitious move by paying €17 million for the Fluminense striker. The deal makes Elias the second most expensive signing in the club’s history, behind only Bernard, who joined for €25 million in 2013.
A bold investment for the future
Elias made 47 appearances for Fluminense, scoring eight goals and providing two assists, primarily as a substitute. Shakhtar will hope to develop the young forward into a future star and eventually sell him to a European giant for a substantial profit.
However, the transfer comes with risks. The €17 million fee is a major investment for a club operating under difficult circumstances. As part of the deal, Fluminense could earn an additional €2 million in bonuses and retain a 20% sell-on clause, showing their belief in Elias’ potential.
Shakhtar’s current struggles
While Shakhtar remains a powerhouse in Ukrainian football, they currently sit third in the Ukrainian Premier League, trailing Dynamo Kyiv by 10 points and Oleksandria by five—a surprising position for the defending champions.