Venezuelan midfielder Andrusw Araujo signs with Ukraine's FC Polissya, eyes Conference League debut

Venezuelan midfielder Andrusw Araujo has taken a significant step in his professional career by signing with FC Polissya Zhytomyr of the Ukrainian Premier League. The transfer, finalized on July 18, 2026, comes just four months after Araujo's debut with the Venezuelan national football team in the FIFA Series.

FC Polissya welcomed Araujo, expressing hopes for his swift adaptation and brilliant performances. This move concludes his tenure with Kryvbas Kryvyi, where he arrived in August 2025. His new contract with Polissya runs until 2029. Unlike Kryvbas, which finished seventh in the league, Polissya secured a third-place finish, earning them a spot in the UEFA Conference League.

Araujo, who was recognized by the CIES Football Observatory in December 2025 as the best under-23 defensive midfielder outside Europe's top leagues, will join his new team for their Conference League qualifying match against FC Copenhagen on July 23. His versatility was highlighted when he played as a central defender for the national team, despite typically operating as a defensive midfielder.

During the 2025-26 season, Araujo was a key player for Kryvbas, accumulating 2,171 minutes on the field. He was one of several Venezuelan players to make an impact in Ukraine, with compatriot Gleiker Mendoza also transferring to Shakhtar Donetsk, the league champions. Araujo contributed three assists for Kryvbas, while Mendoza scored eleven goals and provided twelve assists.

“

Welcome to the pack, Andrusw! We wish you a quick adaptation, brilliant matches, and new victories together with the Wolves!