Conversation with volleyball agent Luca Novi on the showBarba e Capellion local TV TRC (Modena) once again confirmed the circulating information in Italy about Simeon Nikolov's upcoming arrival at Cucine Lube Civitanova. Novi's statement, made on air, was reported and summarized by the specialized websiteVolleyball.it, which emphasized the logic behind the club's market decisions.
In the discussion about the situation at Lube, Luca Novi explicitly mentioned Simeon Nikolov by name, placing him directly in the context of decisions surrounding the setter position. The agent emphasized that such a move should not be interpreted as a lack of confidence in current players, but as part of a broader strategy aimed at the team's future.
According to Novi, clubs of Lube's caliber increasingly rarely postpone key decisions. The setter position is among those planned long-term, because it sets the rhythm and identity of the entire team. Therefore, the choice is not limited to current form, but to an overall profile and perspective.
In a broader context, the agent spoke about the increasing value of young setters in the international market. The trend is for leading clubs to invest early in players with potential, rather than waiting for them to establish themselves elsewhere. This logic increasingly defines the market in Italy and Europe.
Another important highlight is the practice of clubs 'locking in' key positions earlier and earlier, especially when it comes to roles with a decisive impact on performance. In conditions of global competition, such an approach becomes a necessity, not an exception.
Novi also focused on the importance of a player's international profile, which today weighs more than a national passport. Adaptability, experience in different championships, and the mentality for playing under pressure are factors that increasingly determine the choice of leading clubs.
These observations do not represent a direct individual assessment of Simeon Nikolov, but they fully align with his profile and explain why his name is so persistently associated with Lube. In this sense, Luca Novi's conversation on TRC is perceived in Italy as yet another clear confirmation of the direction that has been discussed for weeks.
The Bulgarian Perspective: Logic Beyond the Transfer
From a Bulgarian perspective, Simeon Nikolov's potential move to Lube seems entirely logical and timely. The setter has already proven he can be a leading figure, not just a part of a system. In his last match in Russia, Nikolov scored... 14 points – an indicator not only of attacking aggression but also of the confidence to take responsibility in decisive moments.
Exactly this profile is sought at the highest level – a setter who doesn't hide behind the pass but directly influences the result. In Italy, such qualities are highly valued, especially in a club like Lube, where the setter traditionally plays a key role both in the game and in leadership.
From a Bulgarian perspective, the question of the Nikolov tandem inevitably arises. Some time ago, we also had reservations about how 'healthy' it would be for two brothers to be together in one club team. Today, however, logic dictates that Nikolov senior has enough experience and, most importantly, motivation to choose the best for the Nikolov brothers. And the end justifies the means.
The VNL (Volleyball Nations League) is coming, followed by the 2026 European Championship, where Bulgaria will be a co-host, and after that, the 2027 World Championship in Poland. All this is directly related to the need for points for the world ranking and the long-term goal – qualifying for the Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028, unless it happens according to a dream scenario – a European title.
These goals may sound ambitious, but the recent past should not be forgotten. For the World Championship in Manila, Bulgaria didn't go with high expectations but returned with silver medals, after the memorable 1/4-final against the USA from 0:2 to 3:2 and a sharp jump in the world ranking – from 19th to 9th place. This is proof that when the conditions and preparation are in place, Bulgarian volleyball knows how to seize its chances.
Without official announcements and without grand statements, the market puzzle continues to fall into place. And every subsequent similar statement from Italy only reinforces the feeling that the question is no longer whether, but when Simeon Nikolov will be presented as the new setter for Cucine Lube Civitanova.
Everything indicates that September is the month when this will become a reality.
