- January 4, 2026
- 8:32 pm
- Ukraine
Ukraine, being in a state of war, is not considered an attractive destination even in normal times — unless we talk about clubs like Dynamo Kyiv or Shakhtar Donetsk. However, their international reputation has declined in recent years.
Nevertheless, the Ukrainian league has become a popular destination for Israeli legionnaires and may play a role in the January transfer window, which opened this week.
The Israeli public is used to hearing about Oscar Gloukh, Anan Khalaili, and Manor Solomon, playing in Champions League teams; about Eli Dasa, who returned to the Netherlands; about Omri Gandelman, who played in Belgium for a long time; and also about Bibras Natcho, continuing his career in Belgrade’s “Partizan”. Meanwhile, the number of Israeli footballers in the USA is also growing.
However, this is only part of the overall picture, reported Israeli Ynet on January 3, 2025.
Players out of focus, but in the process of growth
The footballers discussed in this material do not play in clubs that are in the spotlight. However, according to the assessments of the participants in the process, the difference in level between the Ukrainian league and more prestigious championships is not significant, and the players themselves continue to advance in their careers.
Bar Lin and experience in “Kryvbas”
One example is Bar Lin, playing for Kryvbas, which at the time of publication is in fifth place in the Ukrainian championship.
The assistant coach of “Kryvbas” Uri David explains why he considers the Ukrainian league suitable for professional growth:
“Take, for example, our game against Donetsk’s ‘Shakhtar’ a few weeks ago. ‘Shakhtar’ has a Brazilian left-back, Federinho, whom, as far as I know, many Premier League clubs want to acquire.
Federinho played on the same flank against Bar — and Bar gave him worthy resistance. Bar has always been very technical, but not physically strong. Against Federinho, he already looked quite powerful. There is no doubt that during his time in Ukraine, he has toughened up.
Any talent can succeed here — provided he is a true professional, like Bar.”
Climate and working conditions
Bar Lin himself describes the conditions in Ukraine as follows:
“Last week I flew to Israel for a month-long vacation, and compared to Ukraine, I felt like I was in a microwave.
The temperature there is around zero or one degree, but it doesn’t interfere with our work.
I have definitely made progress in Kryvbas.”
Financial aspect
In some cases, moving to the Ukrainian league turns out to be beneficial financially. For example, Tomer Yosefi, playing for Polissya Zhytomyr, is estimated to earn about 400,000 euros a year — at the level of the league’s leading players, which is rare for the Israeli market.
Uri David notes:
“Perhaps Ukraine is experiencing financial difficulties now, but there is money for football here — because people love it.”
Conclusion
The Ukrainian league remains a challenging destination for foreign footballers. However, it continues to attract Israeli players, for whom this stage becomes part of professional development — out of the spotlight, but in conditions of constant competition.
NANews — Israel News | Nikk.Agency
