Vladimir Garkov was officially presented as a new addition to the Italian Joyvolley Gioia del Colle. The Bulgarian national player will continue his career in the second tier of Italian volleyball, where he will play alongside another national team member, the middle blocker Boris Nachev.

Even in the announcement of the transfer, the club described Garkov as a "super addition," and in his official presentation, they elaborated on his resume. Joyvolley Gioia del Colle reminds that the 23-year-old outside hitter arrives after one season in the French elite with Saint-Nazaire, and before that, he won the championship title, the Cup, and the Super Cup of Bulgaria with Levski Sofia, as well as numerous individual awards in the domestic championship.
In their presentation, the Italians further emphasize that the 198 cm tall Garkov impresses with his attacking and serving skills, and also list his achievements with the national teams of Bulgaria – a silver medal from the U17 European Championship in 2019, silver from the U19 World Championship in 2021, bronze from the U21 European Championship in 2022, and bronze from the U21 World Cup in 2023.
'I am very happy that I can now say I am becoming part of the Joyvolley Gioia del Colle family. I am sure that wonderful moments await us and we will create unforgettable memories. See you soon!', Garkov stated during his official presentation.
With the recruitment of the Bulgarian outside hitter, Gioia del Colle will have two current Bulgarian national team members, after Boris Nachev also joined the squad earlier. In the 2026/2027 season, the two will be among the Bulgarian representatives in the Italian Serie A2.