Levski Sofia squad management and player status

Following championship success, Levski Sofia has focused on squad composition and player retention. The club prioritized renewing the contract of Christian Makoun and sought to extend the contract of midfielder Akram Bouas, whose return to training was contingent on physical recovery from injury.

Reports noted a shift in recruitment strategy toward international athletes, as evidenced by a low number of domestic players from the championship squad being selected for the Bulgarian national team.

Sports director Georgi Kostadinov later addressed the team’s management of a heavy schedule and various injuries. He expressed optimism that recent breaks would restore squad energy and indicated that if recovery continues as planned, Akram Buras should be ready to play by the latter half of the month. Kostadinov also asserted the club’s status, stating, ‘We are champions and everyone must comply with us.’

During the recent international break, the club continued to manage player exhaustion resulting from a dense schedule of domestic and European fixtures, including matches against Universitatea Craiova, Kairat, and Red Bull Salzburg.

Regarding player availability, right-back Oliver Kamdem has returned to full training following successful surgery. However, winger Radoslav Kirilov remains in rehabilitation abroad after undergoing surgery in late June and is not yet ready to return to play.

In recent developments, Algerian midfielder Akram Bouras has reportedly agreed to a contract extension expected to run until 2030. The new deal is anticipated to include a €5 million release clause. While Bouras has been sidelined for over two months due to a thigh injury sustained on August 1, Georgi Kostadinov indicated the midfielder is expected to return to action in the second half of October and will be included in the squad for the upcoming match against Viktoria Plzeň.