The performances of 19-year-old Bulgarian winger Kristijan Balov have attracted attention from several European clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen. In the 2025/2026 season for Slavia Sofia, he scored 5 goals and provided 7 assists in 31 domestic league appearances. A report from June 2026 states that Red Star Belgrade will pay a €2,500,000 fee, while an offer from Ludogorets was reportedly rejected earlier in the year.