Former Pyunik player joins Krasnodar

28-year-old central defender Vitaly Stezhko, who previously played for Yerevan’s Pyunik, has signed with FC Krasnodar. The Russian Premier League champions acquired him from Chernomorets for €450,000. The contract runs until the end of the 2027/28 season.

Stezhko is a graduate of the Krasnodar Academy. He was born on January 29, 1997, in the village of Buzinovskaya, Krasnodar Krai. He began playing football locally before joining the club’s system. From 2014 to 2022, he played for Krasnodar’s reserve teams.

In the 2018/19 season, the defender was loaned to Armenian side Pyunik, where he made his European debut in UEFA Europa League matches. In 2022, he made two appearances for Krasnodar’s first team – against CSKA and Akhmat.

Later, he signed with Yenisey, and in the summer of 2024, moved to Chernomorets. With them, he finished third in the Melbet First League and was named the player of the season.

Now Vitaly Stezhko returns to his home club with a contract valid until June 30, 2028.