The shifts in the Italian transfer market have intensified speculation about the future of Moni Nikolov, the Bulgarian international and star of Long Beach State. His NCAA season has ended, and expectations about where he will continue his professional career are growing daily. 🧭
🔹 Lube Civitanova? Unlikely.
At first glance, the option for Moni Nikolov to reunite with his brother Alex at Lube seems emotionally appealing, but at the moment – not realistic. According to information fromvolleyball.it, the club is adamant about its intention to keep the Orduna – Bonifante tandem, especially given its participation in the Champions League in 2025/26. Mattia Bonifante, a rising star, will be guided by the experienced Orduna – a role the club does not wish to relinquish or disrupt through a transfer.
🔹 Piacenza– an interesting puzzle.
Piacenza's name is popping up more and more frequently, including in rumors that link Moni Nikolov with the club where Hristo Zlatanov, son of the legend Dimitar Zlatanov, plays a key management role. Although a specific offer has not been confirmed, the presence of a Bulgarian executive and the search for a quality setter make this option a perfectly logical move.
🔹 Cuneo– historical connection and real possibility.
It should be noted that Cuneo is the new member of the elite, and Vladimir Nikolov has left a significant mark on the club – champion with them in the 2009/10 season, when the team was called Bre Banca Lannutti Cuneo. It is often easier to break through with newcomers, and such teams play fiercely in their first season with the goal of remaining in the elite. So this option should not be ruled out either.
🔹 Grottazzolina– an excellent school for adaptation. 🇧🇬
The team of Grottazzolina deserves special attention, as it is establishing itself as a key link for the development of Bulgarian athletes. Georgi Tatarov had a strong season there, and according to some sources, it is almost 100% certain that he will stay with the team. Furthermore, it is strongly rumored that national middle blocker Iliya Petkov may join him, targeted as a replacement for the departing Canadian international Danny Demianenko.
👉 In this regard, a transfer of Moni Nikolov to Grottazzolina would be an extremely logical and beneficial move – among compatriots, with a clear role and in an environment where he can calmly adapt to the European style of play. And getting acquainted with two potential national team teammates would only accelerate his integration into Bulgaria's senior men's team. 🇧🇬💪
🔹 Additional changes in SuperLega (according to volleyball.it):
In Modena, there might be a parting with middle blocker Giovanni Sanguinetti, with Edoardo Caneschi from Allianz Milano being targeted as a transfer.
In Verona, there is talk of a potential sale of Javoronok to Perugia.
Yuki Ishikawa is once again mentioned in Perugia, but for now, the Japanese player remains an expensive "luxury" for President Sirci.
🔹Russia- most likely option- an open door with Plamen Konstantinov?
Moni's father - Vladimir Nikolov - shared at the beginning of the year that his son has interest from Russia, where Lokomotiv Novosibirsk under the leadership of Plamen Konstantinov remains an option, although there is no official confirmation of negotiations yet.
🔹 Poland- the market is still asleep.
The Polish PlusLiga finished late, which delays activity in the transfer market. Several teams already have stable starting setters, which makes Moni's move to Poland less clear, but not impossible. The presence in the Polish championship of captain Alex Grozdanov, who became champion with Bogdanka, and national receiver Asparuh Asparuhov shows that the Poles already know the strength of Bulgarian volleyball players and the possibility of attracting another one to a key position, such as a setter, is not illogical.
🎯 Conclusion:
Regardless of the direction, Moni Nikolov will be welcomed with open arms everywhere, given his incredibly strong season in the NCAA and his versatile qualities - strong serve, stable defense, effective attack, and of course - a high level in ball distribution. The Bulgarian talent is ready for the next step - the question is: which club will make the right move? 💥
