Chinese superstar Li Yingying is officially the new signing for Numia Vero Volley Milano, with the club acquiring her contract from Tianjin Bohai Bank. The transfer confirms a clear trend over the past two seasons: more and more leading Chinese volleyball players are seeking opportunities in European championships – from Italy to Turkey and even in the second tier of Serie A.
The 25-year-old outside hitter arrives in Milan after a decade of dominance in the Chinese Super League and brilliant performances with the national team. She will be the first Chinese player in Vero Volley's history, and expectations for her are immense – both due to her individual accolades and her status as one of the most prolific players in world volleyball.
Transfer Profile
| Player | Li Yingying |
|---|---|
| Nationality | China |
| Position | Outside Hitter |
| Height | 195 cm |
| Previous Club | Tianjin Bohai Bank |
| New club | Numia Vero Volley Milano |
| Arrival Date | December 1 (after medical tests) |
The table clearly highlights the scale of the transfer – Milan is acquiring a player in the world's top 10 for the outside hitter position, and China is losing one of its most influential volleyball players for the second consecutive season.
More Chinese women in Europe – the trend behind the transfer
This summer and autumn, Chinese volleyball players have made a series of significant moves to European clubs – both in top leagues and in teams that develop young talents.
Chinese transfers to European clubs (2024–2025)
| Player | Position | New club | League |
|---|---|---|---|
| Li Yingying | Outside Hitter | Vero Volley Milano | Serie A1 (Italy) |
| Yushan Zhuang | Outside Hitter | Omag–MT San Giovanni in Marignano | Serie A2 (Italy) |
| Yuanyuan Wang | Middle Blocker | Galatasaray Daikin | Sultanlar Ligi (Turkey) |
| Yuan Xinyue | Middle Blocker | Tianjin (after leaving VakıfBank) | Transfer from Turkey to China |
The data shows two-way movement – China sends elite players to Europe, but there are already reverse transfers, as with Yuan Xinyue, who left Vakifbank. It is evident that the globalization of women's volleyball accelerates the exchange of top players between Asia and Europe.
What the transfer means for Milano and for the Italian Serie A1
Li Yingying arrives as a proven scorer, a dominant receiver, and a player capable of deciding games on her own. Her combination of a powerful serve and high attacking efficiency will give Milano the necessary momentum in the battle with Conegliano and Scandicci.
Yingying is expected to be a key factor in the Champions League, where Vero Volley is pursuing its first-ever European final.
Player Profile: Li Yingying
| Born | February 19, 2000, Qiqihar |
|---|---|
| Height | 195 cm |
| Position | Outside Hitter |
| Clubs | Tianjin Bohai Bank (2015–2026), Vero Volley Milano (from 2025/26) |
Her career has been entirely structured around Tianjin – dominance, titles, and MVP awards. Her move to Europe is a logical next step.
