Shakhtar Donetsk Rejects €40m Fulham Bid for Rising Star Kevin

Shakhtar Donetsk has turned down a €30 million plus add-ons offer from Fulham for their Brazilian winger Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo, with the total package nearing €40 million. The 22-year-old, known simply as Kevin, has emerged as one of the Ukrainian Premier League’s brightest talents, showcasing exceptional stats from the 2024-25 season, including 99th percentile rankings for progressive carries and 98th percentile for successful dribbles.

The rejection underscores Shakhtar’s high valuation of the São Paulo-born player, who joined the club in January 2024 and is contracted until December 2028. Sources indicate Shakhtar is holding out for a higher fee, aware of interest from Italian side Napoli and other European clubs. Kevin’s versatility as a left winger, combined with his market value of €12 million (per Transfermarkt), has fueled speculation of a potential transfer battle.

This move aligns with Shakhtar’s history of nurturing South American talent, with Brazil accounting for 12 of their 25 transfers since 2010. The club’s scouting prowess continues to challenge traditional European academies, positioning Kevin as the latest prospect in a lineage that includes Willian and Fernandinho. Negotiations are ongoing as the transfer window progresses.