Everton bound Vitaliy Mykolenko is finally heading to the Premier League years after Liverpool sent scouts to watch the Dynamo Kiev defender, as reported by The Athletic.
It’s not quite a ‘Golden Generation’ but there’s certainly a smattering of Ukrainian footballers plying their trade at the top of the European game.
And we’re not just talking about Andriy Yarmolenko, previously the nation’s trailblazing Golden Boy.
There’s Oleksandr Zinchenko, a small yet integral cog in Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City machine. Ruslan Malinovksyi at Atalanta too.
Roman Yaremchuk, meanwhile, earned himself a big-money move to Benfica after plundering 23 goals for Belgian outfit KAA Gent in 2020/21.
Will Mykolenko thrive at Everton?
Mykolenko is set to follow in their footsteps.
And while nothing has been made official just yet, it seems only a matter of time before Mykolenko is posing for photos at Goodison Park, holding a royal blue scarf up to the Merseyside sky.
If things had worked out differently, however, Mykolenko might already be plying his trade in England’s north west.
According to The Athletic, Stanley Park neighbours Liverpool scouted Mykolenko during his breakthrough 2018/19 season in the Ukrainian capital, around the time he produced a coming-of-age performance against Cristiano Ronaldo in a 0-0 draw with Portugal.
Three years later, the wait is nearly over.
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“With his dedication and desire to improve, Mykolenko has earned this challenge,” says former Ukraine manager Myron Markevych.
“This is a real challenge for a 22-year-old who has proven he is ready to test himself in the strongest league in world football.
“I have read the statements of some who say it is too early for Mykolenko to go to England. I don’t think so. On the contrary.
“Vitaly urgently needs to say goodbye to UPL (the Ukrainian Premier League), where the competition is low. In the (English) Premier League, he will have the chance not only to demonstrate his best qualities but also to eliminate his shortcomings.”
“I have no doubt that Mykolenko will gain credibility with local fans and make every effort to get Everton out of the relegation fight.”
Jose Mourinho’s Roma and relegation-threatened Newcastle United were also keen on Mykolenko.
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