Who is the newest Bulgarian Blade? | OneFootball

It appears another Bulgarian Blade could be on his way very soon. This time, the Blades have reportedly tempted the player away from another transfer at the last minute.

In recent times, we’ve heard rumours of a Bulgarian right-back on the Blades’ radar. It now appears that right-back is Mihail Polendakov.

RPL (Russian Premier League) Sky on X reported that Polendakov is now likely to join the Blades despite being on the verge of joining Rostov in Russia.

So, who is Polendakov, and what can we expect if or when he arrives at the Lane?

The Beginning

Mihail Polendakov was born on 5 June 2007 turning 18 early this month. He was born in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.

Polendakov began his youth football career aged six. He joined local academy DIT Sofia. He remained with the academy until 2018. Although in 2015, the academy merged with Septemvri Sofia. Therefore, his eventual move to Septemvri at the age of 11 was a natural next step.

He remained in Septemvri academy until 2023. Although, on 30 October 2022, made his professional debut for Septemvri Sofia against Ludogorets Razgrad.

Entrance into the first team

Exactly six months on from his professional debut a contract was on the table. He signed his first Septemvri Sofia professional contract on 30 April 2023.

The majority of his appearances came last season in 2024-2025. He made 26 league appearances in the Efbet Liga. He managed to get an assist.

Polendakov also played six games in the relegation group phase of the Efbet Liga. He added another assist to his tally. With Septemvri Sofia finishing 4th in the relegation group phase overall.

Additionally, whilst he is primarily a right-back. He has also been known to play as a right wing-back and a right midfielder.

Interest from elsewhere

Whilst, the Blades have seemingly beaten Rostov to Polendakov. The two sides are not the only clubs who’ve shown interest in him.

In January 2024, Polendakov went on trial with RB Salzburg. Salzburg and the wider Red Bull network are prominent in the development of young players. The trial period with Salzburg ran between 15 January 2024 and 3 February 2024.

During his trial, he underwent tests and played in a number of matches. The trial involved a test match against Bayern Munich. As well as a trip to Brazil with Salzburg’s U18s. In a tournament against sides like Corinthians, Sao Paulo and Bragantino. As well as Colombian and Mexican teams. Before returning to Septemvri Sofia.

Youth International Career

Polendakov has represented Bulgaria at youth level at U16s, U17s, and U19s. He played five matches and got one goal for the U16s.

He has captained the Bulgarian U17s and played in the U17 Euros qualifiers. His eight appearances in the Qualifiers saw him score twice. Plus, an extra six friendly matches.

He has also played three times for the U19s. With two of those appearances coming in the U19s Euros Qualifiers.

On 20 March 2025, he made his Bulgaria U21s debut aged 17 and nine months. He has now played four friendlies for the U21s.

Takeaways

Ultimately, this would be the third signing from the Bulgarian top flight. At 18, it is likely, he will also head into the Blades development sides. But as a right-back, a role the Blades had little depth in last season, it’s good to get another one in the pipeline.

With all due respect to Nwachukwu and Ukaki, Polendakov seems like the most qualified signing so far. As a captain of his national team U17s and a trail with RB Salzburg. Plus, interest from Russia. It is clear that Polendakov has been on a few club’s radars. With his Salzburg trial being the most promising from United’s point of view.

As with all of these signings, though, Polendakov is a signing for the future. His effectiveness will be known in time. For now, he, Nwachukwu, Ukaki are the early case studies of whether the Bulgarian league can become a good scouting area for the Blades. From the players point of view hopefully it works out.