Andres Viyena (33, Spain), who was expected to play a seventh season in South Korea, was ultimately not selected in the 2026 men’s foreign player draft.
The Korea Volleyball Federation (KOVO) held the 2026 men’s foreign player tryout in Prague, Czech Republic, from the 7th to the 10th. Three clubs—Hyundai Capital (Leo), Woori Card (Araujo), and Korea Electric Power (Venon)—re-signed their existing players, while the remaining four clubs welcomed new foreign talents.
After much deliberation, KB Insurance decided not to renew Viyena’s contract by the deadline on the 9th, ending a partnership that began in December 2022. Despite finishing second in scoring (829 points) and fifth in overall attack percentage (52.07%) in the 2025-26 season, the club opted for change.
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A KB Insurance official stated, “We made this decision after very careful consideration. We spent four seasons with Viyena, and through this decision, we wanted to send a message and show our commitment to the players and fans to pursue a championship. We chose challenge over stability.” The official added, “We are truly grateful to Viyena and thank him for his hard work.”
Despite parting ways with KB Insurance, there was speculation that Viyena could be picked by another club. At the draft site, some compared his skills with the new participants, suggesting he might still be selected.
Hyundai Capital coach Philippe Blain, who re-signed Leo, expressed his wish before the draft: “Although KB Insurance did not re-sign Viyena, he always delivered good performances. I hope he can play for another team.”
However, first-pick OK Savings Bank chose Kyle Russell, who was released by Korean Air in March. Samsung Fire (Felipe Hoki) and Korean Air (Gender Ketzinski) each selected new faces. Finally, with the sixth pick, KB Insurance selected 203cm opposite spiker Linus Weber from Germany. Acting KB Insurance coach Ha Hyun-yong praised Weber: “We valued his fundamentals, his clean and powerful hitting form, and his excellent serve. He also has strength and height.”
Ha Hyun-yong did not forget to thank Viyena. “It’s not about his skill. The decision was made because we needed change. We are very grateful for his dedication to our team over the years,” he said.
Viyena first joined the V-League with Korean Air in the 2019-20 season and played for KB Insurance from December 2022. In 167 career matches, he recorded 4,098 points and an overall attack percentage of 53.93%. If any team needs a replacement foreign player due to injury or poor performance, Viyena remains a strong candidate for a first-pick role.
