Youth international Ognyan Hristov will continue his career in the Turkish elite. The 20-year-old outside hitter is a new addition to Istanbul Genclik and has already been registered in the official SMS Grup Efeler Ligi system for the 2026/27 season.
Hristov is listed as a player for Istanbul Genclik with jersey number 85. The Turkish club has not yet officially introduced the Bulgarian, but his registration in the league system confirms the transfer. The signing was also announced by Turkish journalist Sener Harmandag.

Born on February 24, 2006, Hristov is 203 centimeters tall and plays as an outside hitter. Last season, he defended the colors of Dunav (Ruse), where he played on loan from Beroe 2016. For now, there is no information on the terms of his relationship with Beroe regarding his move to Turkey.
Hristov has significant experience with Bulgaria's national youth teams. He was part of the Bulgaria U21 squad at the 2025 World Championship in China, and in 2024, he became a European vice-champion with our youth national team.
In Istanbul Genclik, the Bulgarian faces serious competition for his position. The most famous name among the outside hitters is the 39-year-old former Dutch international Dick Kooy. The squad also includes Turks Baturalp Burak Güngör, Yasin Aydın, and Berat Taha Masa. Among the foreign players, the name of Hungarian opposite Krisztián Pádár also stands out.
Ognyan Hristov is represented by Istanbul-based TGS Sport Management, and his move to Efeler Ligi further increases the Bulgarian presence in one of the strongest European leagues.
Hristov becomes the sixth Bulgarian volleyball player in the Turkish elite for the 2026/27 season. Matey Kaziyski and Denislav Bardarov are with Halkbank, Georgi Seganov and Kristiyan Aleksov are with Istanbul BBSK, and Kaloyan Balabanov will play for Sungurlu Belediyespor.