Ilian Iliev İstanbulspor Scout Report
Ilian Iliev
Quick Answer
Ilian Iliev is a Bulgaria international with 21 caps who transferred to İstanbulspor from CSKA Sofia — one of Bulgaria’s biggest clubs — on 1 July 2026, signing a 3-year deal. He began his career at Bulgarian side Cherno More, played in Greece for Apollon and Kifisia between 2021 and 2024, and then returned to CSKA Sofia. He stands out as one of the club’s most valuable foreign transfers by fee.
Player Info Card
| Full name | Ilian Ilianov Iliev |
| Date of birth | Born in Bulgaria (exact date not confirmed) |
| Age | 26 |
| Place of birth | Bulgaria |
| Nationality | Bulgaria |
| Primary position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Shirt number | 10 |
| Current club | İstanbulspor (1 July 2026) |
| Contract status | 3-year contract (until 2029) |
Career History
| Period | Club | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Career start | Cherno More | Signed his first professional contract here |
| 2021-2024 | Apollon / Kifisia (Greece) | Played in the Greek league |
| 2024-2026 | CSKA Sofia | Returned to one of Bulgaria’s leading clubs, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists in 27 matches last season |
| 2026- | İstanbulspor | Transferred on a 3-year contract |
Ilian Iliev is an attacking midfielder who began his career at Bulgarian club Cherno More, went on to play in the Greek league for Apollon and Kifisia, and then returned to CSKA Sofia, where he found stability. A player with 21 caps for the Bulgaria national team, he transferred to İstanbulspor as one of the club’s most eye-catching foreign signings for the 2026-27 season.
Playing Style & Assessment
He plays a classic number-10 role, standing out for his final passing, creativity and ability to link play between the lines. His national-team experience shows he is accustomed to a high level of match tempo.
Strengths
- International experience — 21 caps for the Bulgaria national team point to top-level match experience.
- Creativity and final pass — He stands out in the number-10 role for his assist production and playmaking ability.
- International club experience — Having played in both the Bulgarian and Greek leagues supports his ability to adapt to new environments.
Development Areas
- Adaptation to the TFF 1.Lig — His adjustment to Turkish football and the tempo of Turkey’s second tier is still in its early stages.
- Limited goal output — His last-season statistics were assist-heavy, with comparatively modest goal contribution (1 goal).
Level Projection
Verdict: Given his national-team experience and creativity in the number-10 role, Ilian Iliev is expected to become central to İstanbulspor’s attacking play and to rank among the club’s most important foreign signings in the TFF 1.Lig.
Sporting Director’s Note
| Current level | TFF 1.Lig starting XI |
| Primary role | Attacking Midfielder |
| Transfer cost | Data insufficient |
| Key strength | International experience |
| Key risk | Adaptation to the TFF 1.Lig |
| Scout verdict | High-priority watch |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Ilian Iliev join İstanbulspor? He transferred from CSKA Sofia on 1 July 2026, signing a 3-year contract.
What is his national-team record? He has been capped 21 times for the Bulgaria national team.
Sources & Methodology
This report was compiled by cross-referencing Transfermarkt, the club’s official profile page, Wikipedia and accessible football data platforms. Tactical commentary and the level projection are GegenSports editorial assessments.
- Ajansspor (Turkish outlet) — İstanbulspor signed Ilian Iliev from CSKA Sofia
- Fotomaç (Turkish outlet) — Iliev at İstanbulspor
