Russell Stayed in Zawiercie, Klos Joined Warszawa

This week’s transfer market saw significant activity among Europe’s top volleyball clubs. From Zawiercie reinforcing its core to Warszawa adding veteran leaders, and Trentino completing its summer rebuild, #CLVolleyM teams have been hard at work. Meanwhile, women’s sides in Rzeszów and Galatasaray unveiled high-profile middle-block and outside-hitter acquisitions.

Aluron CMC Warta Zawiercie confirmed that American outside hitter Aaron Russell will stay on the team, after joining from Japan’s JT Thunders in 2024, bolstering their reception with proven international firepower. The club also signed Polish opposite Bartłomiej Bołądź—203 cm tall and fresh off Olympic silver in Paris—who spent the last two years at PGE Projekt Warszawa.

PGE Projekt Warszawa strengthened its spine by signing decorated middle blocker Karol Kłos. The world champion and 17-season PlusLiga veteran returns to Warsaw after 13 years at PGE Skra Bełchatów—where he claimed three Polish titles, three cups, and a CEV Champions League Volley silver—and two seasons as captain of Asseco Resovia Rzeszów. Another experienced player joining the squad is libero Maciej Olenderek, who returns to the capital after spells at Trefl Gdańsk and MKS Będzin, bringing a CEV Challenge Cup silver medal to his résumé. Itas Trentino also wrapped up its summer business by unveiling French opposite Théo Faure—an Olympic gold medallist who played in Cisterna for two seasons.

On the women’s front, Developres Rzeszów bolstered its middle with Belgian stalwart Laura Heyrman—32, 186 cm, a seasoned international and recent Vero Volley Milano standout—and Ukrainian veteran Svitlana Dorsman, who boasted Ukrainian league, cup, and SuperCup titles with SC Prometej Dnipro. In Türkiye, Galatasaray Daikin signed American outside hitter Alexandra Frantti on a one-year deal; the former key figure at VakifBank Istanbul, where she won the Turkish titles.

As the 2025–26 season approaches, these strategic signings underline each club’s ambition. With a blend of experienced internationals and rising stars now assembled, Europe’s elite volleyball competitions promise another thrilling campaign.