The move of Artem Bondarenko to “Al-Ahli” is in jeopardy.
Artem Bondarenko / © FC Shakhtar
The transfer of midfielder from Donetsk’s “Shakhtar” and Ukraine national team player Artem Bondarenko to Saudi Arabian club “Al-Ahli” is under threat of collapse.
In the early hours of August 20th, the Jeddah-based club officially announced the signing of the 25-year-old footballer, but shortly after removed all information regarding the transfer without any explanation.
The reputable insider Fabrizio Romano had reported that the Donetsk club would receive 19 million euros for the player, but he also later deleted his social media post.
According to media reports, the sporting director of “Al-Ahli” personally contacted a journalist, demanding that no news about Bondarenko’s transfer be published and no financial details be disclosed.
The Saudi club had even published a quote from Bondarenko, but now his transfer to Saudi Arabia is in question.
“I am very happy to wear the ‘Al-Ahli’ jersey. It is a great honor for me to join such a prestigious club and the champion of Asia. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to show everything I am capable of, to achieve new successes and delight the club’s fans,” the Ukrainian supposedly commented on his transfer, which is now at risk of falling through.
It should be noted that the head coach of “Al-Ahli” is the 55-year-old Croatian specialist Marino Pušić, who previously managed “Shakhtar”.
As a reminder, Bondarenko is a product of the “Shakhtar” academy. He played 169 matches for the Donetsk team, scoring 34 goals and providing 29 assists.
Together with “the Miners,” Bondarenko became a four-time Ukrainian champion, lifted the Ukrainian Cup twice, and won the Ukrainian Super Cup once.
Earlier, it was reported that “Barcelona” signed a Ballon d’Or winner and the best player of the 2026 World Cup.
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