Lokomotiv Avia is close to signing former national team players Dobromir Dimitrov and Rozalin Penchev, who are expected to wear the "railwaymen's" jersey in the 2026/2027 season.
As we were the first to report, team captain Todor Valchev is leaving the club and will continue his career with Greek Aris (Thessaloniki). In his place, the management is taking serious steps to renew the squad by attracting proven names from Bulgarian and international volleyball.
Dobromir Dimitrov takes the conductor's baton
In the setter position, Lokomotiv Avia might be strengthened by one of the most experienced Bulgarian players in this role. 34-year-old Dobromir Dimitrov arrives from the Spanish grand Guaguas - national champion, with whom he reached the Champions League quarterfinals last season.
The setter, born in Pazardzhik, has an impressive international career. He is an Olympian from London 2012 and a long-time Bulgarian national team member.
In his career, Dimitrov has played in some of the strongest volleyball championships in the world. Among the clubs in his rich resume are Perugia (Italy), Ortona (Italy), Zalău (Romania), CSM Bucuresti (Romania), as well as Iranian Hatam Ardakan. In Bulgaria, he has defended the colors of Pirin Razlog, CVK Gabrovo, CSKA, Lokomotiv Plovdiv, Hebar, and Neftochimic 2010.
With his rich experience and leadership qualities, he is expected to be a key figure in organizing the game for the Plovdiv team.
We are negotiating, yes. I haven't made a final decision yet, as I'm also waiting for an option from abroad, the setter shared with volleyweek.bg.
Rozalin Penchev poised for a return to his native Plovdiv
The other significant addition, who is set to wear Lokomotiv's jersey, is outside hitter Rozalin Penchev. The Plovdiv-born volleyball player could play in front of his home crowd after a long career abroad.
The 31-year-old outside hitter is among the most recognizable Bulgarian volleyball players in the last decade. His career spans championships in Poland, Turkey, Italy, Russia, Brazil, Argentina, France, Qatar, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Penchev has worn the jerseys of prestigious clubs such as Belogorie Belgorod, Top Volley Latina, Sesc Rio de Janeiro, Bolivar Voley, and Al Arabi. Most recently, he played in the Bulgarian championship with Neftochimic 2010.
With a height of 202 centimeters and extensive international experience, he will add class and stability to Lokomotiv Avia's reception line.
It's a matter of time to find out if these two quality transfers will materialize. For now, the team's management claims they are in a very advanced stage for signing contracts. If the acquisitions of Dobromir Dimitrov and Rozalin Penchev become official, it will show that Lokomotiv Avia has no intention of compromising its goals for the new season. The two former national team players bring serious class, international experience, and leadership, which can help the team remain among the leading forces in Bulgarian volleyball.
photos: Nikolay Varadinov and facebook
