Cuban-born volleyball player Wilfredo León, one of the great international figures in this sport, is close to finalizing a lucrative contract with the Turkish club Halkbank Ankara, which could pay him at least 1.5 million euros net per season, in addition to significant bonuses.
The information was published by the Polish sports newspaper Przegląd Sportowy Onet, which considers the transfer practically decided, although neither the player nor the clubs have officially confirmed the possible transfer for the 2027-2028 season.
According to the outlet, León could also receive bonuses ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 euros for the titles won with his new team.
The operation would represent a significant economic leap for the player born in Santiago de Cuba, who currently plays for Bogdanka LUK Lublin in the Polish league and represents Poland internationally.
However, the Polish newspaper Fakt reported on October 29, citing a person close to the player, that León has not yet signed any contract and that the final decision will be made in December. In addition to Turkey, the volleyball player is considering the possibility of playing in Japan for the upcoming season.
According to the outlet, León is looking to compete in a less demanding league than the Polish one to arrive in the best physical condition for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, where he aims to win gold.
A contract that could triple your income
According to Przegląd Sportowy Onet, the contract proposed by Halkbank Ankara would have an initial duration of one year, with the option for renewal. If the contract is finalized under the disclosed terms, León could become one of the highest-paid volleyball players in the world.
Moreover, the appeal of the offer would not only lie in the salary but also in the tax conditions offered by the clubs in Turkey.
According to the Polish press, Turkish teams assume the corresponding tax obligations, allowing athletes to receive the net amounts specified in their contracts directly.
This difference could lead León to earn nearly three times what he currently makes in Lublin, according to calculations released by Przegląd Sportowy Onet.
Her possible departure from Poland is generating reactions
The newspaper Sport.pl reported that the transfer would occur after the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season, when León would leave Bogdanka LUK Lublin to join Halkbank Ankara.
The former Polish volleyball player Piotr Gruszka, a European champion and a historic figure for his national team, questioned the speed at which major clubs are negotiating signings for future seasons.
Gruszka acknowledged the enormous financial capacity of Turkish teams to sign international stars, although he expressed his dissatisfaction with the acceleration of the transfer market.
Born in Santiago de Cuba, Wilfredo León began his sporting career on the island and represented the Cuban national team from a very young age.
His international career later took him to European volleyball, where he established himself as one of the most recognized attackers in the sport.
After leaving the Cuban sports system, he obtained Polish citizenship and began representing Poland in international competitions.
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