Krupsky's interest: Why the transfer of Vorskla's defender is the standout move of the January transfer window.
Among the latest rising stars is Illya Krupskiy, a defender for Vorskla. The young footballer has become one of the top young players in the UPL after his first 17 matches, and he consistently remains in the spotlight of news regarding Ukrainian sports.
The champion does not overlook this relevant topic and explains why Krupskiy truly deserves the attention of media and clubs that are trying to persuade the player to join them.
Who is Illya Krupskiy, and why is he gaining attention?
The 20-year-old Vorskla defender is a product of the long-renowned academy of Zaporizhzhia's Metalurh. Fans with even a minimal history will easily recall names such as Maksym Koval, Serhiy Kryvtsov, Serhiy Sydorchuk, or Taras Stepanenko. These are just the most famous names that have passed through the club's school, which has been experiencing tough times for several years now. Illya Krupskiy has every chance not only to carve his name alongside these legendary players but even to surpass their achievements.
1The 2024/25 season marks Krupskiy's third year at the highest level in Ukraine as a right-back. During the 2022/23 season, the then 17-18-year-old player participated in his first 7 UPL matches, as he was cautiously integrated into the Poltava club's squad. In the following season, Krupskiy confidently asserted his claim for a starting position, playing 29 matches across all competitions, with 1 goal and 3 assists. In the current championship, Illya continues to play as a key performer for Yuriy Maksymov's team, contributing with one assist in 15 matches.
Krupskiy cannot be categorized as a defender like Dani Alves; he is not one to spend more time near the opponent's goal than on his own half, and he is far from being effective in finishing attacks or showing a desire to express himself in the final stages. Moreover, he definitely needs to improve his attacking game. However, he is valuable in other aspects, demonstrating distinct virtues at such a young age. Krupskiy embodies speed, diligence, a preference for reliable rather than risky decisions, a significant work rate, and an ability to anticipate plays while consistently playing with intent. The latter does not prevent him from being a fairly disciplined player. In 53 professional matches, he has received 8 yellow cards and 1 red card.
2Despite his young age, the Poltava defender has already gained international recognition. This is not just about his 14 matches for the youth and Olympic teams of Ukraine (notably, his debuts for both teams occurred in 2024). It is equally important that Krupskiy made it onto the well-known ranking by the International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES Football Observatory). The experts prepared a list of the best young right-backs in the world based on statistical data. The Ukrainian ranked 10th, while the top spot went to Martim Fernandes from one of the world's most renowned academies, FC Porto. Furthermore, domestically, several specialists have named Krupskiy the best young right-back in the UPL, although Serhiy Rebrov preferred the Rukh defender and Illya's positional colleague Oleksiy Sych as a debutant for the national team in the decisive autumn matches of the Nations League for the "blue and yellow."
"A 'Konoplyana' alternative, a cog in the Dynamo machine, or part of a new ambitious project – what options are opening up for the fullback?
Sych and the hero of this story have reportedly made it onto Dynamo's shortlist in their quest to strengthen the right side of defense. There have been no official confirmations from the Kyiv side yet, but all indications suggest that negotiations for signing such players are a reality, with Krupskiy being the coaching staff's number one choice. However, discussions about a potential transfer have not progressed, and recent reports indicate that the "white-blues" cannot or do not want to meet Vorskla's demands to maximize the transfer of their player. In Kyiv, Krupskiy would need to compete with the almost irreplaceable Oleksandr Tymchyk and ultimately relieve his namesake Karavaev of defensive duties.
3The 3 million euros that, according to unofficial sources, a contender for Krupskiy is willing to pay without seeking Vorskla's consent for such a transfer – a sum that has proven too hefty even for the wealthier Shakhtar. Rumor has it that the "miners," represented by general director Serhiy Palkin, who personally traveled to Poltava for negotiations, offered Vorskla 2.5 million. This proposal from the 2009 Ukrainian Cup holders was also unsatisfactory, although initially it seemed that the matter was settled. It is worth noting that if such a career development occurs, it would open up promising prospects for Krupskiy. There are plenty of criticisms directed at Yukhym Konoplya, who is the number one player on the right flank of the "orange and black" defense.
4Finally, there is a third, and perhaps unexpected, contender for Krupskiy in Ukraine. Even while playing in the First League, Metalist-1925 does not tire of reminding everyone of its ambitious steps. This time, the club's management from Kharkiv is seriously targeting one of the best young players in the country. Moreover, according to media reports, it is the "yellow-blues" who are now closest to finalizing a deal with Krupskiy and Vorskla, and the player has already given his consent to the transfer. Among the potential advantages for Illya in this scenario are regular playing time from his first match in the new team and favorable financial conditions.
The Ukrainian path – is it not the main route for the Vorskla player?
However, in Krupskiy's story, we should not overlook the foreign trail. By late December, it became known that an MLS club was interested in signing the Ukrainian. Following initial reports regarding New England Revolution's interest, the information was later confirmed by foreign media. It is worth mentioning that the first team of this club currently has only 18 players under contract, and only one player can cover the right-back position. Thus, it is not surprising that NIR is actively working in the transfer market.
If he chooses to join the team across the ocean, Krupskiy will undoubtedly experience an upgrade regarding the environment he finds himself in. The current MLS is far from being a league for seasoned footballers coming to the USA to wind down their careers. It is now a championship comparable in level to the Portuguese Primeira, the Dutch Eredivisie, the Belgian Pro League, or the Turkish Super League. Most importantly, it is a league from which moving to the leading leagues of the Old World is just as possible as from the aforementioned locations.
5It seems that this saga, which could turn into an epic, is nearing its conclusion. Wherever Krupskiy ultimately lands, the emergence of such a player on the football horizon is only beneficial for Ukrainian football.