The fate of Bulgarian national player Martin Atanasov has become clear. Following Vero Volley Monza's parting ways with Finnish outside hitter Luka Marttila, the club from Brianza has decided to retain Atanasov until the end of the season under improved financial conditions compared to the short-term three-month contract which expired at the end of December.

In recent weeks, there were real indications that Atanasov might leave Monza, with clubs from Turkey, Poland, other Italian teams, and even Russia in unofficial talks showing interest in him. Ultimately, however, the Bulgarian outside hitter chose to finish the season in Italy – a decision that guarantees him stability and an opportunity for further establishment in one of the strongest leagues in the world.

Luka Marttila's departure could also prove crucial for the other Bulgarian in the squad – Zhasmin Velichkov. Expectations are that the young player will receive more playing minutes and a chance to perform in Serie A1, where competition is traditionally at an extremely high level.

Whether Martin Atanasov remains in the Vero Volley Monza squad will be known this Sunday, when at 7 PM Bulgarian time, the team from Brianza hosts Verona in a match from the third round of the second half of the championship.

Meanwhile, Finnish outside hitter Luka Marttila continues his career in Turkey. Fenerbahçe Medicana men's volleyball team, which is competing for trophies in three different competitions, has officially signed Marttila on loan from Vero Volley Monza until the end of the 2025/2026 season.

The player, born in 2003 and 197 cm tall, has significant experience despite his young age. In his homeland, he has played for Maskun Katajay, Salon Viesti, and Hurrikaani Loimaa, and his first steps abroad were with Vero Volley Monza in Italy and Montpellier in France. His resume also includes a European title from the Golden League – a strong argument for Fenerbahçe's ambitions in the second half of the season.