Halkbank (Ankara) continues its active preparation for the 2025/2026 season, in which the ambitions of the Turkish giant are clear – a domestic league title, the cup, and a breakthrough in the Champions League. The team led by Radostin Stoychev has already assembled an impressive squad, and has now extended the contract with one of its key players – Brazilian star Yoandy Leal.

The club officially announced that the contract with the outside hitter will be renewed for another season. "As part of the structuring for the 2025–2026 season, our club decided to continue with the experienced outside hitter Yoandy Leal Hidalgo," Halkbank said in a statement. "Leal, who joined our team last season and attracted attention with his performance in both the Efeler League and the CEV Champions League, contributed significantly with his strong attacks, effective serve, and game intelligence. We are confident that he will continue to bring value to our team in the new campaign."

36-year-old Leal is a well-known name in world volleyball. Born in Cuba, he played for his country's national team before acquiring Brazilian citizenship and becoming part of the "Seleção," with which he won an Olympic bronze in Tokyo 2020 and numerous awards from the World League and Nations League. His club resume is also impressive – titles with Italian giants Modena and Lube, as well as successes in Brazil with Sada Cruzeiro.

Last season, Leal was one of the pillars of the Halkbank squad. With his excellent attack efficiency, stable serving, and experience in critical moments, he was an integral part of the coaches' scheme at the club. His presence, combined with the new signings – Tsvetan Sokolov, setter Ulaş Kıyak, libero Ahmet Samet Baltacı, and middle blocker Ertuğrul Gazi Metin – makes Halkbank a major contender for honors.

The club also announced that the contract with experienced outside hitter Volkan Döne has been renewed, thus preserving the core from last season, complemented by proven names.

Halkbank is expected to start pre-season friendlies at the end of August, with the main focus being the synergy of the new signings and building a form ready for high goals from the very beginning of the championship.

With the presence of Yoandy Leal, Radostin Stoychev will have another strong weapon in attack – a figure who can turn the match at any moment.