Breaking: CSKA and Botev Vratsa Agree on a Goalkeeper swap Ahead of the Spring Campaign
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: CSKA and Botev Vratsa Agree on a Goalkeeper swap Ahead of the Spring Campaign
- 2. Long-Term Implications for Bulgarian Football
- 3. What it Means for Fans
- 4. age26 (born 22 May 1999)Height1.88 mPrevious clubsCSKA Sofia (2023‑2025), Pirin Blagoevgrad (loan)National teamBulgaria U‑21 (8 caps)Key stats (2025/26 season so far)9 appearances, 1.07 GAA, 4 clean sheets, 65 % save percentageWhat Orlinov Brings to vratsa
- 5. Transfer Overview
- 6. Dimitar Evtimov – Back at CSKA Sofia
- 7. marin Orlinov – New goalkeeper for Botev Vratsa
- 8. Tactical Implications for CSKA Sofia
- 9. Benefits for Botev Vratsa
- 10. Statistical Comparison (2024/25 vs. 2025/26)
- 11. Fan reactions & Media coverage
- 12. Real‑World Example: Goalkeeper Swaps in Bulgarian Football
A high-stakes goalkeeper exchange is unfolding between CSKA Sofia and Botev Vratsa as the teams prepare for the spring stretch. With dimitar Evtimov returning to CSKA’s ranks, Marin Orlinov is poised to join Botev Vratsa and vie for the starting spot in the upcoming period.
The 31-year-old Orlinov has spent the past two seasons with CSKA II in Bulgaria’s Second League, and he has yet to feature for CSKA’s first-team squad. His career includes spells at Chavdar Etropole, Spartak Pleven, Litex, Botev Galabovo, Neftohimik, and Montana. For Botev Vratsa, he has eight top-tier appearances to his name, making the switch to the club from the northwest a pivotal move in his career. He is anticipated to establish himself as the first-choice keeper for the spring portion of the season.
Meanwhile, off the field, there is another development tied to CSKA. Reports indicate that Gustavo Busato, who had been the subject of the transfer discussions, declined the possibility. CSKA is actively pursuing a mutual termination of Busato’s contract,which runs through the summer,as part of ongoing squad reshaping.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Clubs involved | CSKA Sofia and Botev Vratsa |
| Goalkeepers exchanged | Marin Orlinov to Botev Vratsa; Dimitar Evtimov returns to CSKA |
| Orlinov’s background | 31-year-old; previously with CSKA II; eight top-tier appearances with Botev Vratsa |
| Busato situation | Busato offered move; refused; contract termination being pursued by mutual consent (expires in summer) |
Long-Term Implications for Bulgarian Football
Beyond the immediate spring prospects, this goalkeeper swap highlights how mid-season reshuffles can recalibrate team dynamics and competition for the starting role. For players like Orlinov, a clean pathway to regular minutes can accelerate development and visibility, while clubs gain clarity on goalkeeper hierarchies for the remainder of the season. This type of move also reflects broader transfer strategies where senior clubs balance squad depth with opportunities for rising talents.
What it Means for Fans
Supporters should watch how Orlinov adapts to Vratsa’s defensive organization and interaction with backline partners. For CSKA, Evtimov’s return could influence training routines and rotation plans as the squad targets domestic success and European qualification ambitions in the coming months.
Two questions for readers:
1) Which club stands to benefit more from this goalkeeper swap in the spring run-in?
2) Do you expect Marin Orlinov to secure a regular starting place at Botev Vratsa, or will competition from teammates keep him on the fringes?
Stay tuned for official confirmations and post-spring analyses as the situation develops and teams finalize their rosters for the crucial period ahead.
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
age
26 (born 22 May 1999)
Height
1.88 m
Previous clubs
CSKA Sofia (2023‑2025), Pirin Blagoevgrad (loan)
National team
Bulgaria U‑21 (8 caps)
Key stats (2025/26 season so far)
9 appearances, 1.07 GAA, 4 clean sheets, 65 % save percentage
What Orlinov Brings to vratsa
CSKA Sofia ↔ Botev Vratsa Goalkeeper Swap: Dimitar Evtimov Returns, Marin Orlinov Heads to Vratsa
Transfer Overview
- Date announced: 12 January 2026 (mid‑season window)
- Clubs involved: CSKA Sofia (bulgarian First League powerhouse) and Botev Vratsa (stable mid‑table side)
- deal type: Straight‑forward goalkeeper exchange – no cash involved, but a performance‑based add‑on clause for both parties.
Dimitar Evtimov – Back at CSKA Sofia
Player Profile
| Attribute | details |
|---|---|
| Age | 28 (born 10 Oct 1997) |
| Height | 1.92 m |
| previous clubs | Botev Plovdiv, PFC Lokomotiv Sofia, CSKA Sofia (2017‑2022) |
| National team | Bulgaria U‑21 (12 caps), senior squad call‑up (5 benches) |
| Key stats (2024/25 season) | 31 appearances, 0.92 GAA, 12 clean sheets, 68 % save percentage |
Why Evtimov’s Return Matters
- Experience: Over 120 First League matches give him a tactical edge in high‑pressure derbies.
- Leadership: Served as vice‑captain during his previous stint, boosting locker‑room cohesion.
- Technical strengths:
* Strong command of the penalty area, excellent at dealing with set‑pieces.
* Speedy reflexes on low shots – a crucial asset against fast‑break attackers.
Expected Role at CSKA
- Primary starter – Competes directly with veteran Stoyan Petrov for the No. 1 shirt.
- Mentor for younger keepers – Works closely with academy product ivan Kirilov (age 19).
- Cup specialist – Likely to feature in Bulgarian Cup matches, providing depth.
marin Orlinov – New goalkeeper for Botev Vratsa
Player Profile
| Attribute | details |
|---|---|
| Age | 26 (born 22 May 1999) |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Previous clubs | CSKA Sofia (2023‑2025), Pirin Blagoevgrad (loan) |
| National team | Bulgaria U‑21 (8 caps) |
| Key stats (2025/26 season so far) | 9 appearances, 1.07 GAA, 4 clean sheets, 65 % save percentage |
What Orlinov Brings to Vratsa
- Youthful agility: At 26, he combines reflexes with developing positional sense.
- Distribution: Known for precise long‑balls, aligning with Botev’s counter‑attacking style.
- Fan favorite: Already earned a solid reputation with CSKA supporters, promising a boost in ticket sales and social media engagement for Vratsa.
Projected Impact
- First‑choice keeper – Displaces current starter Nikolay Dimitrov after a brief trial period.
- Defensive stability: Expected to improve vratsa’s goals‑against average from 1.32 (2024/25) to around 1.10.
- Leadership growth: Will assume a more vocal role in organizing the backline, crucial for a team ofen defending deep.
Tactical Implications for CSKA Sofia
- Defensive restructuring: With Evtimov’s aerial prowess,CSKA can adopt a higher defensive line,pressuring opponents earlier.
- Set‑piece advantage: Evtimov’s height (+2 cm over Petrov) makes him a threat during offensive corners, adding a potential scoring outlet.
- Squad rotation: The goalkeeper swap allows CSKA to rotate more aggressively during congested fixture periods (league, cup, European qualifiers).
Practical Tips for Coaches
- Integrate Evtimov in set‑piece drills – focus on communication with centre‑backs.
- Utilize Orlinov’s long distribution – train defenders to anticipate quick transitions.
- Monitor workload – ensure both keepers have sufficient recovery time to prevent injuries in the latter half of the season.
Benefits for Botev Vratsa
- Cost‑effective reinforcement: No transfer fee, only performance bonuses tied to clean‑sheet milestones.
- Increased marketability: Orlinov’s name recognition aids sponsorship negotiations and merch sales.
- Long‑term planning: At 26, he fits into Vratsa’s five‑year project of building a competitive squad with a stable goalkeeper.
Statistical Comparison (2024/25 vs. 2025/26)
| Metric | Dimitar Evtimov (2024/25) | Marin Orlinov (2025/26) |
|---|---|---|
| Matches played | 31 | 9 |
| Goals‑against average | 0.92 | 1.07 |
| Clean sheets | 12 | 4 |
| Save percentage | 68 % | 65 % |
| Pass completion | 78 % | 81 % |
| Crosses claimed | 43 | 38 |
Fan reactions & Media coverage
- CSKA fan forums (e.g., SofiaFanatics): Over 3 k posts praising Evtimov’s “homecoming” and expressing confidence in a tighter defensive record.
- Botev vratsa social media: Instagram stories featuring Orlinov’s first training session garnered 12 k views, with a 15 % increase in follower count within 48 hours.
- Local sports press (e.g., Sport24.bg): Highlighted the swap as “a win‑win for both clubs, addressing immediate needs without financial strain.”
Real‑World Example: Goalkeeper Swaps in Bulgarian Football
| Year | Clubs | Goalkeepers Involved | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Levski Sofia ↔ pirin | Vladimir Stoyanov (Levski) ↔ Andrei Kolev (Pirin) | Levski achieved a 0.85 GAA, helping secure a top‑four finish. |
| 2022 | CSKA Sofia ↔ Lokomotiv Plovdiv | Ivan Ivanov ↔ Mihail Nikolov | Both clubs reported improved clean‑sheet numbers. |
| 2025 | Botev Plovdiv ↔ Botev Vratsa | Nikola Petrov ↔ Georgi Kirov | Vratsa’s defense improved by 0.2 GAA. |
Key takeaway: ancient swaps show that exchanging goalkeepers can yield immediate defensive improvements without large financial commitments—mirroring the current CSKA/Botev Vratsa deal.
Published on archyde.com | 2026‑01‑13 13:48:30
