Shakhtar Donetsk Sign Brazilian Starlets Luka Meirelles and Isaque Silva
Shakhtar Donetsk continue their tradition of investing in emerging South American talent by signing two highly rated 18-year-old Brazilians — forward Luka Meirelles from Santos FC and midfielder Isaque Silva from Fluminense.
Luka Meirelles: A Rising Attacking Talent
The Ukrainian giants confirmed that Luka Meirelles has signed a five-year contract, joining Shakhtar from Santos. The striker is a product of the famed Santos academy, where he developed since 2018. At youth level, he impressed for the U20s with 14 goals and 1 assist in 25 appearances.
Meirelles signed his first professional deal with Santos in June 2023 and made his senior debut on November 17, 2024, in a Série B clash against CRB (Regatas Brasil). He featured in 17 senior matches for Santos, including 7 appearances in the Brazilian Série A, 2 in Série B, 1 in the Copa do Brasil, and 7 in the Campeonato Paulista.
Isaque Silva: Midfield Engine with Championship Pedigree
Isaque Silva arrives from Fluminense on a contract valid until June 30, 2030, according to Shakhtar's official statement. The midfielder came through the ranks at Fluminense, joining the academy at just 10 years old.
He signed his first pro contract in May 2023 and enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2024, helping Fluminense U17 win both the Brazilian U17 Championship and the U17 Copa do Brasil. Silva also featured for the U20s, scoring 2 goals in 10 matches.
His senior debut came on December 6, 2024, in a Série A match against Cuiabá. In total, Silva made 12 appearances for Fluminense’s first team — including 2 in the Brazilian top flight, 1 in the Copa do Brasil, 2 in the Copa Sudamericana, and 7 in the state championship.
Both signings reflect Shakhtar's continued strategy of developing young South American talent into first-team stars — a pathway that has previously produced names like Fernandinho, Willian, Douglas Costa, and Fred.
