The holder of the Bulgarian Cup and silver medalist from the country's championship VC Neftochimic 2010 (Burgas) continues to actively build its squad for the new season. The Burgas team presented its fifth new addition for the 2026/2027 campaign, and this is one of the most promising young liberos in Bulgarian volleyball – Konstantin Chipev.
The 20-year-old player arrives in the ranks of the "oilmen" with an impressive resume despite his young age. Chipev is a two-time Bulgarian champion with Levski Sofia, triumphing in Super Volley in 2024 and 2025. He also has a Bulgarian Cup and a Bulgarian Supercup with the "blues" in his trophy cabinet.
Last season, the talented libero was already part of the volleyball life in Burgas, having defended the colors of Deya. Now, however, he is taking the next step in his career by joining the ranks of the national cup holder.
Chipev also has significant successes with the national teams of Bulgaria. In 2024, he became a silver medalist at the European Championship with the U20 squad. To this accolade, he adds a bronze medal from the U18 European Championship in 2022, as well as a Balkan title with the national team.
In head coach Ivan Stanev's squad, the young player will form competition for the libero position with another promising talent – Yasen Petrov, who is entering his fourth season with Neftochimic's men's team. Last campaign, the other player in this position was Simeon Dobrev.
The Burgas club has already retained some of its key figures from last season. Outside hitter Dimitar Vasilev, opposite hitter Stoyan Dimitrov, as well as middle blockers Stefan Chavdarov and Martin Krastev remain with the team.
Meanwhile, Neftochimic has already announced four other new additions. These are setters Vladimir Stankov and Konstantin Nechev, middle blocker Dimitar Chavdarov, and the versatile Tsvetelin Tsvetanov, who can play as both an opposite hitter and an outside hitter.
With the signing of Konstantin Chipev, the Burgas team continues to rely on a combination of young Bulgarian talents and players with proven qualities. The club's ambitions remain high – to challenge for all trophies in the new season and return to the championship summit.