Portuguese giants Benfica have verbally agreed to a groundbreaking transfer deal with Shakhtar Donetsk for Ukrainian midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, setting a new club transfer record in the process. The comprehensive agreement, confirmed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano on August 29, 2025, values the 22-year-old at €27 million plus €5 million in performance-related add-ons, potentially reaching €32 million.
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Historic Transfer Structure Breakdown
The deal represents Benfica’s most ambitious investment in their transfer history, surpassing the previous record of €29.7 million paid for Turkish midfielder Orkun Kökçü in 2023.
The agreement between sporting directors Rui Pedro Braz (Benfica) and Darijo Srna (Shakhtar) includes sophisticated financial mechanisms designed to benefit both clubs.
Transfer Fee Components
| Component | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Base Transfer Fee | €27 million | Guaranteed payment to Shakhtar |
| Performance Add-ons | €5 million | Achievement-based bonuses |
| Total Potential Value | €32 million | New Benfica record |
| Sell-on Clause | 20%+ | Shakhtar’s future sale percentage |
The inclusion of a sell-on clause exceeding 20% demonstrates Shakhtar’s confidence in Sudakov’s continued development and potential future value appreciation. This mechanism ensures the Ukrainian club will benefit from any subsequent transfer should Sudakov’s market value increase during his tenure in Lisbon.
Sudakov’s Remarkable Statistics
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder brings impressive credentials to Benfica, having established himself as one of Europe’s most promising talents during his time with Shakhtar Donetsk. Born in Bryanka, Lugansk, Sudakov has consistently delivered exceptional performances across multiple competitions.
Career Performance Overview
| Category | Club Career | International Career |
|---|---|---|
| Total Appearances | 148 matches | 28 caps for Ukraine |
| Goals Scored | 35 goals | 3 international goals |
| Assists Provided | 26 assists | Multiple key passes |
| Current Market Value | €30+ million | Rising trajectory |
In the most recent Ukrainian Premier League season, Sudakov made 25 appearances, finding the net on 13 occasions while providing 4 assists – statistics that attracted attention from Europe’s elite clubs. His versatility and technical ability have made him a cornerstone of both Shakhtar’s domestic success and Ukraine’s national team ambitions.
The Number 10 Jersey Significance
Benfica’s decision to award Sudakov the iconic number 10 jersey underscores their expectations for the Ukrainian talent. This prestigious shirt number, historically worn by the club’s most creative players, signals the central role Sudakov is expected to play in manager Bruno Lage’s tactical system.
The symbolic gesture reflects Benfica’s long-term commitment to building their attacking philosophy around the young midfielder’s exceptional technical skills and vision. Previous holders of this jersey have gone on to achieve legendary status at the Estádio da Luz, setting high expectations for Sudakov’s contribution.
Strategic Impact on Benfica’s Champions League Ambitions
The timing of Sudakov’s arrival couldn’t be more crucial for Benfica’s European aspirations. The Eagles face a challenging Champions League group stage campaign against football powerhouses including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Napoli, Ajax, Qarabag, and Newcastle United.
Champions League Group Stage Opponents:
- Real Madrid – Reigning Champions League holders
- Chelsea – Premier League giants with European pedigree
- Bayer Leverkusen – Bundesliga champions and rising force
- Juventus – Italian Serie A heavyweight
- Napoli – Former Serie A champions with European experience
Sudakov’s creative abilities and European experience with Shakhtar make him an ideal addition to navigate these high-level encounters. His familiarity with Champions League football, having represented Shakhtar in multiple European campaigns, provides immediate value to Benfica’s continental ambitions.
Ukrainian Connection at Benfica
The transfer reunites Sudakov with compatriot Anatoliy Trubin, who joined Benfica from Shakhtar in summer 2023 for €10 million. This existing Ukrainian presence at the club should facilitate Sudakov’s integration into Portuguese football and Benfica’s tactical system.
Trubin’s successful adaptation to Liga Portugal and European competition serves as a positive precedent for Sudakov’s transition. The goalkeeper’s experience navigating the cultural and tactical differences between Ukrainian and Portuguese football will prove invaluable in mentoring his former Shakhtar teammate.
Shakhtar-Benfica Transfer History
| Player | Transfer Year | Fee | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anatoliy Trubin | 2023 | €10 million | Goalkeeper |
| Georgiy Sudakov | 2025 | €32 million | Attacking Midfielder |
Interestingly, Shakhtar retained a 40% profit share clause in Trubin’s contract, demonstrating their strategic approach to player development and transfer negotiations. This precedent likely influenced the substantial sell-on percentage included in Sudakov’s deal.
Market Context and European Competition
Sudakov’s transfer to Benfica represents a significant coup in the competitive European transfer market. The Ukrainian had attracted interest from several Serie A giants, including Napoli and Juventus, who reportedly submitted offers during the winter transfer window.
Previous reports suggested Napoli had submitted a €35+ million bid that was rejected by Shakhtar, while Juventus was also actively pursuing the midfielder’s signature. Brentford from the Premier League had also expressed interest, highlighting the widespread European appeal of Sudakov’s talents.
The fact that Benfica successfully secured Sudakov’s services ahead of these established European powers demonstrates the Portuguese club’s growing ambition and financial capability in the global transfer market.
Immediate Integration and Timeline
Following the agreement between clubs, Sudakov is expected to travel to Lisbon immediately to undergo medical examinations and complete the contractual formalities. The swift progression of negotiations suggests both player and club are eager to finalize the transfer before the closing of the summer transfer window.
Sudakov’s final appearance for Shakhtar came in their Conference League playoff victory over Servette, where he helped secure the club’s qualification for the main stage of the competition. His departure represents the end of a successful chapter with Shakhtar while opening an exciting new phase of his career in Portuguese football.
Long-term Vision and Development Potential
At just 22 years old, Sudakov represents both immediate impact and long-term investment for Benfica. His technical skills, combined with his experience in high-pressure European competitions, position him as a cornerstone player for the club’s future ambitions.
The structured nature of the transfer fee, with significant add-ons tied to performance, aligns the interests of player, selling club, and buying club. This approach reflects modern football’s emphasis on sustainable growth and performance-based valuations.
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FAQs
What makes this Benfica’s record transfer?
At €32 million total value (€27m base + €5m add-ons), Sudakov surpasses Orkun Kökçü’s €29.7 million transfer as Benfica’s most expensive signing in club history.
What jersey number will Georgiy Sudakov wear at Benfica?
Sudakov will wear the prestigious number 10 jersey at Benfica, indicating his expected central role in the team’s attacking strategy.
How does the sell-on clause benefit Shakhtar?
Shakhtar retains over 20% of any future transfer fee if Benfica sells Sudakov, ensuring continued financial benefit from his development.
When will Sudakov officially join Benfica?
Following the club agreement, Sudakov is expected to travel to Lisbon immediately for medical examinations and contract signing.
Who were the other clubs interested in Georgiy Sudakov?
Napoli, Juventus, and Brentford had all shown strong interest, with Napoli reportedly having a €35+ million bid rejected earlier.
