Brighton & Hove Albion have had two bids rejected for Shakhtar Donetsk central defender Mykola Matviyenko according to Fabrizio Romano. Reports also suggest that Matviyenko is keen to move to the Premier League and reunite with manager Roberto De Zerbi.
Brighton Make £18 Million Bid For Mykola Matviyenko
Shakhtar Donetsk Demanding £26 million
According to Romano, Shakhtar Donetsk are demanding over £26 million for Matviyenko. Shakhtar are also under no pressure to sell after seeing Mykhailo Mudryk go to Chelsea for £62 million plus add-ons.
Brighton made an initial offer of £10 million for Matviyenko on Monday, which Romano reported was to be, “far from Shakhtar Donetsk’s expectations.” A second bid of £18 million including add-ons was also rejected on Wednesday.
Excl: Brighton have submitted a new official proposal for Mykola Matvienko, understand it’s worth €16m guaranteed fee plus €4m in add-ons up to €20m package. 🚨🔵🇺🇦 #BHAFC
Shakhtar Donetks have rejected also this fresh proposal as they want €30m fee for Matvienko. pic.twitter.com/dStvEl8vy2
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2023
Brighton might yet return with a third offer, but David Ornstein reported on Monday that they are not currently prepared to meet the Ukrainian club’s valuation. It remains to be seen if their stance has changed.
De Zerbi Pushing for Signing
However, reports have suggested that Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has been pushing for Brighton to sign Matviyenko. The Italian worked with Matviyenko while he was the manager at Shakhtar, and Ornstein reported that the centre-back was one of the first names that De Zerbi mentioned to the Brighton board.
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Matviyenko is also understood to be keen on a reunion with De Zerbi. Sam Dean and The Telegraph reported that the 26-year-old wants to move to the Premier League and a deal could rise to £20 million
Why Do Brighton Want Mykola Matviyenko?
De Zerbi is the one pushing for the signing, but Mykola Matviyenko would be a great addition for Brighton. The club are keen to recruit this winter as they look to continue their push for European football this season.
Matviyenko comes with a wealth of experience. He has played 202 times in the Ukrainian Premier League and European competitions for Shakhtar. Moreover, he is familiar with De Zerbi’s style of play and could be able to make an instant impact in the Premier League.
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Is Mykola Matviyenko Levi Colwill’s Replacement?
Brighton also encountered problems this January when Levi Colwill suffered a muscle injury which will keep him out of action for several weeks. The 19-year-old has been impressive on the left side of Brighton’s defence and was in contention for a place in the next England squad.
Matviyenko fills that gap but is also a long-term solution. Colwill is on loan from Chelsea and the west London club have been impressed with his performances. So much so that Simon Phillips reported that Colwill was at Chelsea’s game against Crystal Palace to discuss a potential contract extension. Mykola Matviyenko would therefore be a key player both now and moving forward.
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