Polish international Tomasz Fornal, who will wear the jersey of Turkish Ziraat Ankara in the 2025/2026 season, may very soon return to his homeland. According to information from journalistJakub Balcerzak, published on platform X,Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie is highly interestedin signing the 28-year-old outside hitter.
The news stirred spirits in Polish volleyball Fornal's name always guarantees buzz, and a potential transfer of his would have an effect comparable to the "Leon effect, which years ago turned PlusLiga into a global center of attention.
Quick return? Transfer plans start early
Although the season has just begun, early transfer information is already commonplace in PlusLiga. Top players are agreed upon months in advance, and negotiations often take place behind the scenes long before the first whistle.
Fornal signed with Ziraat after the end of the 2024/2025 campaign, leavingJastrzębski Węgiel, the club with which he grew into one of the most complete and attractive outside hitters in Europe. With the "yellow-blacks" he won everything possible on the domestic scene, and the only missing title remainsthe Champions League gold.
Ziraat's star trio and the Turkish adventure
In Turkey, Fornal became a key element of Ziraat Bankkart Ankara's highly ambitious project. Together with Dutch opposite Nimir Abdel-Aziz and Frenchman Trevor Clevenot, he formed one of the most powerful attacking trios in the Turkish Efeler League.
The team has already wonthe Turkish Super Cup, and Fornal is among the leaders in attack and defense. Nevertheless, Warta's interest is more than logical: the club is on the rise, and president Crispin Baran is known for his bold transfer moves.
Crispin Baran's ambition – from Leon to Fornal
Zawiercie continues to build its identity as a club that is not afraid to target the biggest names. A year ago, the management was one step away from attractingWilfredo Leon, but then the star chose the LUK Lublin project — a decision that led to a historic title for the club.
Now, the second big goal could become a reality.Michał Winiarski, head coach of Warta, has a quality squad, but the addition of Fornal would elevate the vice-champion's ambitions to a whole new level.
Potential impact on the market and fans
Fornal is not just a competitor — he is abrand, behind whom stand thousands of fans. Warta would gain not only a top-class attacking player and a stable receiver, but also an excellent marketing asset.
Sponsors, club, media — everyone knows: Fornal means interest, viewership, and recognition.
What do we know so far?
| Element | Information |
|---|---|
| Current club | Ziraat Bankası Ankara (Turkey) |
| Possible new club | Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie |
| Source of information | Jakub Balcerzak (X) |
| Position | Outside Hitter |
| Age | 28 years old |
The table shows the key parameters surrounding the potential transfer. This is a classic case in which a European-level star could be brought back to the local league through an ambitious project – and Warta is building exactly that.
Conclusion
Tomasz Fornal's move to Warta Zawiercie would beone of the loudest transfers in Europe in 2026.For now, details are missing, but the direction is clear: the Polish club and president Kryspin Baran are ready to act quickly and aggressively.
It remains to be seen if Ziraat Ankara will part ways with one of its stars just a year after the start of the Turkish adventure. But one thing is for sure —this story is just beginning to unfold.
photo: Nikolay Varadinov
