Egonu transfer rumors swirl as Zhu Ting departs Scandicci

The Milano exchange rumors

Egonu underwent endoscopic nasal surgery in Milano on October 10 to resolve an infection discovered during recent medical examinations. This procedure forced her absence from the Supercoppa final and left her recovery period uncertain. Reports from Meridian Sport suggest that her agent, Marco Raguzzoni, met with officials in Istanbul to negotiate a swap involving Kiera Van Ryk. This proposed exchange would send the Canadian opposite to Milano while Egonu returns to VakifBank. The management at Milano created a toxic environment for players through recent controversies. Egonu, of Nigerian descent, previously won the CEV Women’s Champions League in 2019 with Igor Gorgonzola Novara and in 2021 with Carraro Imoco Conegliano. She also won the 2022 title with VakifBank after they defeated Carraro Imoco Conegliano 3-1. Egonu also recently scored 28 points in a match against Italy and matched the scoring output of Turkey’s Melissa Vargas. You should watch how this instability affects the professional standing of the Vero Voley Milano roster. Will the Turkish league’s financial power eventually force Egonu to abandon her preference for Italian team culture?

Zhu Ting and Scandicci roster shifts

Zhu Ting leaves Savino Del Bene Scandicci after two seasons in which she scored 1113 points during 83 matches. Her time in Italy included a CEV Cup title and a Scudetto final appearance. Maja reportedly signed a one-year contract extension with the club to remain in Scandicci. Egonu earns substantial income from fashion partnerships such as Emporio Armani and remains one of the highest paid players globally. Egonu previously rejected Turkish offers valued between €1.5 million and €2 million to prioritize Italian competition. The highest paid male player, Leon, earned €900,000 at Perugia.

The scarcity of elite opposites makes players like Egonu, Boskovic, Haak, and Vargas highly sought after by top clubs. Zhu Ting first made headlines when she signed a €1.35 million deal with VakifBank in 2017. In a recent European Championship final in Istanbul, Turkey defeated Italy 3-2 to retain its title. The match scores were 25-16, 25-22, 25-12, 25-21, and 15-10. Melissa Vargas, granted Turkish citizenship in 2021, recorded 26 successful attacks and two blocks, while Zehra Gunes contributed 12 points including six blocks. Eda Erdem secured her sixth European Championship medal during this victory.

Turkish league economic constraints

Turkish Sultanlar Ligi clubs pay the highest salaries in the world because they limit foreign players to one or two per roster. This restriction drives up the market price for elite imports. Because Turkish teams possess significant wealth, they often use high salaries to weaken their Italian opponents by recruiting their top stars in a way that creates intense competition across the European professional club volleyball circuit. Bahcelievler currently faces major financial trouble, leading to several departures. Anna Escamilla is headed to Alba Blaj, while Pelin Ozkilici is transferring to IBB Spor. Merve Tanil is also leaving the club, though her destination remains unknown. Anastasia Guerra is currently in talks with a new club. Katy Ryan signed with Regatas Lima in Peru. The single-foreigner rule in Asian leagues also drives up salaries, as seen with players like Kim and Kurek. Turkey also won the 2026 Volleyball Nations League and secured qualification for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.