Former Sheffield Wednesday starlet Preslav Borukov on his release shock, turning down the Premier League and next steps

The Bulgarian under-21 international, released by Sheffield Wednesday earlier this week after four years at the club, admitted he was shocked by the news, which saw him leave the club alongside the likes of Fraser Preston and Connor Kirby.

It brought to an end an exciting time in South Yorkshire for the stocky 20-year-old, who speaking to The Star admitted he was was disappointed but hugely excited about the chance to take on a new challenge in his young career.

“I was very surprised because in the past year I was training every day with the first team and with Garry Monk,” he said. “I was on the bench for the FA Cup and a Championship game. I believe that I was picked for a reason.

“I feel like I could have offered much more to the club. In training sessions with the first team I scored goals and showed my value to the team. Unfortunately I was never given the chance to prove myself in the Championship and that is a shame for me and the fans.”

Borukov’s is a journey to England that could have started much earlier when at the age of just 14-year-old he was approached by Charlton and then-Premier League Sunderland to come over to England.

He was advised the opportunity had arrived too soon for him and that further chances in England would come. Two years later, Sheffield Wednesday came knocking.

“One of the scouts flew out to watch me,” Borukov said. “After the game he contacted my agent to hold a personal meeting.

“We sorted a seven-day trial at Sheffield. That was in November 2015. I must have impressed the managing staff because after only three days, they offered me a contract.

“I went back to Bulgaria to finish the season with Levski Sofia where I won the Bulgarian Championship and cup competition.

“During the season in Bulgaria I turned 16 years old and was able to sign the contract with Sheffield Wednesday to arrive in July 2016.”

Borukov, a forward known for his power, finishing and ability to hold off opposition defenders, soon became a name to watch at the club and as an initial bout of homesickness wore off thanks to the support of his host family, the goals started flowing.

Prolific at under-18 level, his goal tally slowed more recently in two seasons with the club’s under-23s. Acknowledging that, the youngster believes he was playing better and was a far more well-rounded striker in his latter period with the club.

He showed form that would expose him to further opportunities to train with the first team and two appearances on the bench with the first team, both within four days in January this year, in the FA Cup win over QPR and the league defeat at Wigan.

Wednesday supporters began to wonder whether the name from the youth teams was about to be given his big chance.

“The feeling was unbelievable,” he said. “To be part of the first team and to be playing in London. I just wanted the opportunity to play.

“I was ready to come on at any moment during the game, but unfortunately it didn't happen. I felt the real atmosphere of English football and I will always remember the Sheffield Wednesday fans which travelled with us.

“It was a big challenge and a pleasure to work with all the first-team coaches like Carlos Carvahal, Steve Bruce and Garry Monk.

“Playing and training with players like Steven Fletcher, Fernando Forestieri, Barry Bannan and Jordan Rhodes, you can only learn and improve with every training session. For me it was a great experience that I was part of the first team in the past year.”

His Wednesday highlight? Aside from three hat-tricks, he counts two goals scored in mini-derbies against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane as memories he will hold dearest.

“For me it was a big honour and great pleasure to play for Sheffield Wednesday,” he said. “I want to say a big thank you to all the fans who followed and supported me during my time at the club! I always felt appreciated by them.

“During these four years, my dreams were to be promoted to the Premier League with Sheffield Wednesday. I have great memories but now Sheffield Wednesday is a closed chapter, I have to continue my career elsewhere.

“I am a positive, forward thinking person. Now, I have new dreams and have set new goals that I have to achieve in my professional football career.”

Where that chance will arrive, Borukov does not yet know. Enquiries have been made by a host of clubs here and overseas and whilst he would not be drawn to name names, the forward is clear that his preference would be to stay in the UK.

He said: “I like England and the style of English football suits me. It would be a great if I could continue playing football anywhere in the UK.

“I have had several offers from clubs around Europe including England and now I have to sit down with my agent to decide what is the best next step for my footballing career and where.

“My goal is to play for a club where I can be part of a professional first team's project to show my potential in senior football.”

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