Denis Prychynenko (Ukrainian: Денис Сергійович Причиненко; born 17 February 1992) is a professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Beerschot Wilrijk. He previously played for Heart of Midlothian, Raith Rovers on loan, PFC Sevastopol, CSKA Sofia, Union Berlin, R.W.S. Bruxelles. Born in Germany, he represents Ukraine internationally.
Youth career Prychynenko played as an under-17 player for FC Energie Cottbus before joining Tennis Borussia Berlin in 2008. In 2009, he moved again, joining Heart of Midlothian where he was a member of the successful under-19 squad who finished second behind Celtic during the 2010–11 Scottish Premier League under 19 season. He picked up the Hearts under 19 player of the season award and was their top scorer with 14 goals during season 2010–11.
Club career Hearts Prychynenko joined the first team on 26 February 2011 being named as a substitute against Aberdeen and on one further occasion. Due to injury he failed to make his debut that season despite that his under 19 form earned him a new three-year contract extending his stay until 2014. In November 2011 he joined Raith Rovers on loan until January 2012 to gain first team experience. On return from Raith, Denis made his first team début for Hearts as a late substitute in a Scottish Premier League match; a 3–0 win over Aberdeen. He was an unused substitute as Hearts won the 2012 Scottish Cup Final.
After making seven appearance for the club and having one more year left with the club, Prychyneko was released by the club, as Manager Gary Locke intended to reshape the squad.
Raith Rovers (loan) On 3 November 2011 Prychynenko joined Scottish First Division side Raith Rovers on loan until 4 January 2012. Making his debut that weekend against Dundee at Dens Park. On 26 November 2011 he was one of four on loan Jambos named in the starting line-up for the 3–2 victory over Hamilton Academical at Stark's Park. All three Raith goals were scored by on loan Hearts players as Prychynenko, Jason Holt and David Smith each netted their first professional goal. In all he made five appearances for the club, with his last appearance coming on 10 December against Livingston, due to requiring hernia surgery that limited his appearances. On 5 January 2012 Prychynenko's loan deal expired and he returned to Hearts.
