The Drama Between San Diego FC and Oleksandr Zubkov: Are $5 Million Enough? | OneFootball

San Diego FC made a bold move for Oleksandr Zubkov, the 28-year-old forward from Shakhtar Donetsk. They put $5 million on the table. Sure, that amount might make some eyes widen, but for the Ukrainians, it wasn’t nearly enough. They’re holding out for more. But should San Diego FC really dig deeper into their pockets? Or is this just another case of someone thinking a player’s worth more than he really is?

Zubkov’s journey with Shakhtar has had its ups and downs, but after years of grind, he’s become a key figure in their attack. He’s not exactly Messi or Haaland, but he’s got skills. The dude’s quick, his dribbling is sharp, and he knows how to finish. He’s also no stranger to European competitions. With the MLS increasingly on the lookout for players with international experience, they seem to see him as a solid package. And to sweeten the deal, if he signs with San Diego FC, he’d come in as a Designated Player. But is Zubkov really worth that much? Could this just be another example of the MLS overvaluing a decent player who isn’t exactly a global superstar?

The $5 million offer from San Diego FC might look like a decent chunk of change. You could easily pick up three solid players for that amount in MLS. But Shakhtar Donetsk, a club used to selling its top talents for big money, knows exactly what they have and they want more. So, is San Diego FC ready to play the bargaining game, or are they going to pull back and look elsewhere? The truth is, Zubkov doesn’t have the same star power as some of the big names MLS has brought in recently. So, what’s the play here?

Well, if San Diego FC believes he could be a game-changer up front, maybe it’s worth stretching the budget a bit. But if he’s just another name to fill up the roster, maybe they should think twice.

Now, let’s talk pressure. Being a Designated Player in the MLS is no joke. That status puts a target on your back, especially in a market as competitive as the U.S. Fans expect goals, assists, and highlight-reel moments every game. Zubkov’s got talent, no doubt. But does he have the mental strength to handle that kind of pressure? Moving from Ukraine, where the club’s focus is survival amid the country’s struggles, to a completely different market with cameras flashing in your face and high expectations... That’s not an easy transition. And let’s not forget the adaptation factor. Playing in the MLS isn’t the same as playing in Europe. The styles are different, the travel can be grueling, and the heat? It can be brutal. Plenty of international players struggle to find their rhythm here.

Look, nobody’s saying Zubkov’s a bad pick. But spending over $5 million on a guy who isn’t exactly a world-renowned star feels like a bit of a gamble, especially for a club as new as San Diego FC. That cash could go a lot further investing in local talent or even younger international players with more potential for resale.