Shakhtar Donetsk in advanced talks for Genoa defender Alan Matturro

Shakhtar’s ambitious defensive pursuit

Shakhtar Donetsk are continuing their ambitious recruitment strategy, with reports confirming that the Ukrainian side is currently in advanced negotiations to secure the services of Genoa defender Alan Matturro. The 21-year-old Uruguayan international, who also holds Italian citizenship, has emerged as a primary target to bolster Shakhtar’s backline as they look to strengthen their domestic and European depth.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the clubs are currently working through the details of an agreement that would see the defender move to Ukraine. The proposed structure of the deal involves an initial loan arrangement, which would also include a buy option clause for the future. The move represents a significant opportunity for the Montevideo-born player, who has been searching for consistent minutes since his arrival in Europe.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Shakhtar Donetsk are in advanced talks to sign Alan Matturro as a new centre-back from Genoa, with negotiations currently centered on an initial loan with a buy option clause.

A career at a crossroads

Matturro, a left-footed centre-back standing at 1.89m, joined Genoa in January 2023 from Defensor Sporting in a deal worth approximately €3.00 million. Since his arrival in Italy, his development has been a mixed journey. After a period with the Italian club, he spent time on loan at Levante during the 2025/26 campaign, where he gained valuable experience in Spanish football. With his contract at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris running until June 2028, Genoa are clearly keen to manage his development, either through further loans or a permanent exit that allows him to evolve.

The defender’s market trajectory has seen some fluctuation. Currently holding a market value of €4.00 million, Matturro hit a career peak of €8.00 million in late 2024. Analyzing his current value against his historical transfer fees—specifically his initial €3.00 million move from Uruguay—the player has shown consistent potential, though he has yet to fully solidify a starting role in a top-five European league. If Shakhtar can secure him on a loan with an option to buy, it could be viewed as a financially prudent move, allowing them to assess his impact before committing to a permanent transfer fee that might otherwise be inflated given his long-term contract status.

Reliability check: Reliability: 4/5. This report is backed by Fabrizio Romano, a highly credible source in global football journalism, and is further supported by industry coverage from Business Upturn, confirming that discussions are at an advanced stage between the two clubs.