Trabzonspor consider January move for Al-Ahli Saudi’s Artem Bondarenko

Trabzonspor are considering a January move for Al-Ahli Saudi midfielder Artem Bondarenko, with the Turkish club planning to assess the Ukraine international before deciding whether to open formal negotiations.

According to Turkish newspaper Taka Gazete, Trabzonspor are taking a closer look at Bondarenko’s situation and are examining the possibility of signing him during the winter transfer window.

The club is expected to send scouts to Saudi Arabia to watch the 26-year-old in an Al-Ahli Saudi match. Their reports will be used to evaluate his performances before Trabzonspor decide whether to make an official approach to the Saudi club.

Bondarenko joined Al-Ahli Saudi amid expectations that he would make a significant impression, but his arrival did not generate a major response from the club’s supporters. His performance on his debut was also considered disappointing, increasing the possibility that he could leave during the next available transfer window.

A move to Trabzonspor would revive interest that previously failed to produce an agreement. Bondarenko has already said he received an offer from the Turkish club, although discussions did not reach a conclusion because the two sides were unable to settle the terms.

The player had been open to moving to the Turkish league at that stage, but the proposed transfer did not go ahead. Trabzonspor’s latest interest could now lead to a fresh assessment of whether a deal is possible in January.

Bondarenko primarily operates as a playmaker but can also be used in central midfield or on the right wing. He has considerable experience with Shakhtar Donetsk, having made 169 official appearances for the club.

During those matches, he scored 34 goals and provided 29 assists.