Ukrainian midfielder Yurii Vakulko, who is 28 years old, is expected to sign with Astana soon and will leave his current club Ordabasy in the summer. He joined Ordabasy in June 2025, and his contract with the club is set to expire on 31/12/2026. The capital club has offered Vakulko a one-year contract. Astana intends for him to replace Bosnia international Ivan Bašić, whom the club plans to sell profitably. In the upcoming season, Astana will compete in the Conference League qualifiers. Vakulko has 17 caps and 2 goals for the Ukraine U21 team. His current market value is €700k, according to Transfermarkt. During the 2025/2026 Premier Liga season, he has made 11 appearances and provided 1 assist.