Левски

Bulgarian First League clubs spent €59 million on player salaries in 2025, according to a financial report by UEFA. The data reveals that 70 percent of the total revenue generated by the teams goes towards monthly player wages, an 8 percent increase compared to 2023.

Total revenue for the clubs reached €85 million, marking a 7 percent growth over the previous two years. UEFA contributions, including participation in European tournaments and solidarity payments, accounted for 15 percent of this revenue, totaling €15 million. Income from television rights amounted to €3 million, a 9 percent increase from 2023, while ticket sales generated €4 million, a 16 percent decrease compared to the previous reporting period.

The Bulgarian First League currently ranks 29th in terms of revenue among UEFA-affiliated leagues, with its €85 million total. It holds the 28th position in revenue generated from television rights (€3 million) and UEFA contributions (€13 million). The report also indicates that clubs have accumulated €28 million in bank loans, a 22 percent increase since 2023.

Ludogorets and CSKA are widely considered to have the largest budgets in the league. However, Levski is showing financial progress, having significantly reduced its debts and increased its wage ceiling. The club has recently invested approximately €300,000 each in acquiring Armstrong Oko-Flex and Stipe Vulić, and a slightly larger sum for Juan Pereira from Lokomotiv Plovdiv. Despite this investment, Levski still lags behind Ludogorets and CSKA in overall financial strength.

Ludogorets spent €2.8 million on midfielder Filip Kaloch during the summer transfer window, despite his limited playing time. CSKA, meanwhile, is heavily investing in infrastructure, currently constructing a novel stadium and training facilities for its youth academy.

Forward Mustapha Sangare missed Levski Sofia’s initial training session ahead of their Sunday match against CSKA 1948, raising concerns about his availability for the crucial First League fixture.

Sangare, a key attacking player for the league leaders, was absent alongside midfielder Kristian Makun, according to reports. Both players are reportedly not yet fit for full training intensity, though the coaching staff are hopeful they will be included in the squad for the match in Bistritsa.

The game carries significant weight for Levski, who currently top the First League standings. CSKA 1948 represent one of their closest challengers, making the outcome particularly important in the title race. Sangare recently featured as a substitute in Levski’s match against Botev Plovdiv, demonstrating his ongoing competition with Juan Pereira for a starting position in the attack.

Levski secured a convincing 4-2 victory over CSKA 1948 in a previous encounter on September 15, 2024, with Sangare scoring two goals in that match. The team subsequently returned to winning form in the league following that result.

Interest in Levski Sofia goalkeeper Svetoslav Vutsov is growing among clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium, with recent strong performances reigniting previous inquiries. Dutch sides Utrecht and Twente, currently 10th and 6th respectively in the Eredivisie, have renewed their scouting of the 23-year-old, while Belgian Pro League team Mechelen, in 5th place, also maintains an interest.

Reports had surfaced linking Atlético Madrid to Vutsov, but clubs reportedly paused their pursuit following an unspecified incident involving the player with the Bulgarian national team. His recent form, however, has prompted a resurgence of interest, and Levski officials anticipate receiving transfer offers for the goalkeeper during the summer transfer window.

Levski secured Vutsov from Slavia Sofia last spring, a move that quickly proved successful. Initially a substitute at his previous club, Vutsov swiftly displaced Croatian goalkeeper Matej Markovski as Levski’s first-choice keeper, featuring in 11 matches. This season, he has been the starting goalkeeper in 29 games across all competitions, achieving 12 clean sheets.

In the Bulgarian First League, Vutsov has conceded 13 goals in eight matches. In European competition, he did not concede a goal in regular time during qualifying matches for the Europa League, with goals conceded against Apoel Beer Sheva and Braga coming in extra time. Observers note a marked improvement in his overall game, a progression recognized by modern scouting platforms utilized by clubs across Europe. This has directly led to Utrecht and Twente dispatching scouts to watch him play live, with his adeptness at playing with his feet being a particularly valued attribute. He has also demonstrated significant improvement in claiming high balls this season.

Levski recently transferred a goalkeeper to the Netherlands themselves, selling youth international Plamen Andreev to Feyenoord at the start of the previous campaign. Andreev is currently on loan at Lech Poznań in Poland.

Vutsov is the frontrunner to be named Goalkeeper of the Year in the Bulgarian First League for 2025. Voting in the annual award has concluded, with the results pending announcement.