ESPN journalist Bruno Andrade reported that Shakhtar Donetsk forward Kauan Elias may depart the Ukrainian league for 40 million euros. Several European clubs are interested in Kauan Elias, including Galatasaray. Some teams have initiated negotiations to learn the terms of an agreement and will continue to contact Shakhtar Donetsk in the coming weeks. A transfer would also result in a profit for Fluminense, which holds 10% of the player's economic rights.

According to Fotomac, Galatasaray is interested in Kauan Elias and has initiated negotiations with Shakhtar Donetsk to discuss the terms of a potential transfer. Marjinal Gündem stated that Shakhtar Donetsk expects a transfer fee of 35 million euros.

Galatasaray is targeting 20-year-old Shakhtar forward Kauã Elias for a potential summer transfer to Turkey. The club has initiated a search for a younger, promising replacement for Mauro Icardi, whose contract concludes in June. Elias is reportedly among the players being considered for the position. The Brazilian player is valued at 15 million euros by Transfermarkt, and it is noted that Shakhtar paid 2 million euros more than this valuation for him in February 2025. The forward is under contract with the Ukrainian club until the end of 2029 and has scored nine goals in 12 appearances for Brazil's U17 team. Other clubs have also been linked with him, including Borussia Dortmund and Flamengo. In April 2026, an unsuccessful bid of €22 million from Flamengo was reported. In January 2026, reports cited Shakhtar Donetsk's asking price as being as high as €35 million.