Shakhtar has initiated contact with Galatasaray's 23-year-old Turkish defender, Metehan Baltacı, concerning a transfer, and he may continue his career at the Ukrainian club. Baltacı, who has experience with Turkey's youth national teams, has missed nearly the entire current season due to a disqualification for betting that included wagers on his own team, playing in just two matches. His contract with the Istanbul club expires in June 2028.