CSKA Sofia winger Alejandro Piedrahita is set to make his debut for the club today, having recovered from a recent thigh injury. The Colombian international has been sidelined in recent weeks, but is now available for selection, potentially adding a spark to the Bulgarian First League side.
Should Piedrahita feature in today’s match against CSKA 1948, he will become the 37th different player to represent CSKA Sofia in First League action this season. This highlights a significant turnover of personnel within the squad, reflecting a period of transition and rebuilding under coach Христо Янев (Hristo Yanev).
Notably, eleven players previously part of Yanev’s squad are no longer with the club, while a further six young players are currently gaining experience with the reserve team in the Second League. The composition of the squad also reveals a strong international presence, with two-thirds of the players utilized thus far being foreign – 24 internationals compared to 12 Bulgarian players. Piedrahita’s potential appearance would further tip the scales in favor of foreign players, exceeding the number of domestic talents on the pitch.
Piedrahita arrives at CSKA Sofia following a loan spell with Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata in Argentina and a previous loan stint at Banfield. He initially joined Deportivo Pereira in 2019, where he played for five seasons, scoring 10 goals in 96 appearances. He was a key part of Deportivo Pereira’s Colombian league title-winning team in 2022. Reports in Bulgaria indicate his move to CSKA Sofia was a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with Deportivo Pereira, a deal secured in December 2025 with a three-year contract and assigned shirt number 77.
Another player poised for a return to action is goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov. Evtimov will serve as a backup option behind current first-choice keeper Laпyхов (Lapukhov), and is expected to see playing time only in the event of injury or suspension. The 31-year-old has 31 appearances for CSKA Sofia across all competitions between 2020 and 2024, including a match against CSKA 1948 in a Conference League qualifying playoff, which CSKA Sofia lost 2-0.
Piedrahita’s arrival represents a significant investment for CSKA Sofia, as they look to strengthen their attacking options. At 23 years old, the Colombian winger brings pace, skill, and a proven goalscoring record to the team. His ability to play on either flank provides tactical flexibility for coach Yanev. His market value is currently estimated at €700k, according to Transfermarkt.
The high number of players used by CSKA Sofia this season underscores the challenges faced by coach Yanev in establishing a consistent starting eleven. The constant rotation suggests a search for the right blend of players and a desire to experiment with different tactical approaches. The reliance on foreign players also raises questions about the development of young Bulgarian talent within the club’s academy.
The Bulgarian First League is currently in full swing, with CSKA Sofia aiming to secure a top spot and qualify for European competition. Piedrahita’s successful integration into the team could prove crucial in achieving this goal. His debut will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they assess his potential impact on the team’s performance.
The return of Evtimov provides valuable depth in the goalkeeping position, offering a reliable backup option should Lapukhov be unavailable. His experience and familiarity with the club will be an asset to the squad.
CSKA Sofia’s strategy of bringing in experienced players like Evtimov alongside promising talents like Piedrahita reflects a balanced approach to squad building. The club is clearly focused on strengthening its squad in both the short and long term, aiming to compete for trophies and establish itself as a dominant force in Bulgarian football.
