VolleyBar11# : Monday June 1, 2026

After the weekend break, VolleyBar returns for its third week since launch (already shamelessly copied as a “press review” by our first plagiarism-loving fans)!

In France, middle blocker Simon Magnin has been confirmed at Stade Poitevin Poitiers alongside Tom Picard until 2027. The outside hitter last season recorded 308 points, including 11 aces and 24 blocks. Confirmation also for setter Anatole Chaboissant, who will wear the club’s jersey until 2028!
After three seasons in Paris, Paris Volley have bid farewell to American middle blocker Daniel Wetter, as well as Japanese player Keihan Takahashi, who has already been announced by JTEKT Stings in his home country.
Saint-Nazaire Volley-Ball Atlantique have confirmed young setter Léo-Paul Bougerolles, while young middle blocker Axel Michel will leave Narbonne Volley to join Belgian side Lindemans Aalst.
In Ligue B, 36-year-old Colombian opposite hitter Ronald Jiménez is leaving Rapid Bucuresti, Romania to join Abeille Girondine.

There was also confirmation in Italy, with middle blocker Andrea Truocchio set to wear the Pallavolo Padova jersey for a fourth consecutive season.

“It was an intense and rewarding season, one in which I feel I took another step forward in both quality and maturity. If I had to choose a moment I’m particularly proud of, I’d say it was our ability as a group to stick together and show character in the most difficult matches, proving that we can compete head-to-head with anyone,” he said.

On his contract extension, he was unequivocal:

“I didn’t have many doubts because I feel my journey here in Padua isn’t over yet. What convinced me was the strength of the technical project and the continuity of the work with the coaching staff. When you feel the club has complete faith in you and gives you the ideal conditions to push yourself to the limit and improve day after day, staying becomes the most natural and right choice for my career.”

Meanwhile, Cisterna Volley unveiled their first new player: 210 cm-tall Chinese international and Japanese champion with Osaka Bluteon, Shikun Peng, the club’s first new signing for the 2026/27 season.

“When the opportunity to play in Italy came up, I had no doubts—I immediately said yes. I want to grow, improve, and repay the trust that Cisterna Volley has shown in me,” were his first words in his new colors.

Outside hitter Luca Porro has extended his stay with Modena Volley until 2029, and Cucine Lube Civitanova have done the same with fellow outside hitter Mattia Bottolo, who is also under contract until 2029. And yes, japanese superstar Yuki Ishikawa officially said good bye to Perugia.

In Poland, Japanese libero Tomohiro Yamamoto of the Suntory Sunbirds will play next season with BOGDANKA LUK Lublin. Meanwhile, in Japan, Finnish coach Tuomas Sammelvuo will remain head coach of Osaka Bluteon through 2027.

Across Europe, many national teams are playing friendlies in preparation for their upcoming competitions. Italy defeated Belgium in a five-set thriller (20:25, 25:22, 22:25, 25:23, 15:6) in front of their home fans in Bergamo, only to collapse the following day in straight sets (24:26, 23:25, 21:25) against Turkey.
Meanwhile, Germany defeated France 3–1 at home in Ulm (25:23, 22:25, 25:19, 25:23), led by 17 points from Moritz Reichert and 13 from Filip John.
At the same time, Israel and Romania faced each other in their final weekend of preparation before the European League, with both matches ending 2–2. Romania will begin its campaign in Riga, while Israel will open in Osijek.

___________________

👀|QUICK LINKS
• VolleyBAR 📝🏐🆕
• Multimedia
• Facebook
• Instagram

___________________