Career Bio

Entering his third season with the boys in Old Glory Red, the former Liverpool FC playmaker made 29 appearances in league play in 2019 (31 in all competitions), 15 of which he started. Bijev also contributed one goal and three assists during the most recent United Soccer League Championship campaign.

He originally joined the club midway through the 2017 season on loan from Portland Timbers 2 before being signed to a permanent contract in 2018. Bijev finished the 2018 season with 36 appearances across all competitions for Republic FC, recording eight goals and five assists, second-most on the team.

Prior to his arrival in Sacramento, Bijev spent a season and a half with Timbers 2 where he was named USL All-League First Team in 2016 after leading the team in goals, as well as leading both his team and the league in assists. In 2017, Bijev also led T2 with seven goals in 23 appearances before his move to Sacramento.

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Bijev and his family moved to Fresno, California, when he was five years old. At age 18, he was invited to trial for the U-18s of English Premier League side Liverpool FC. After scoring five goals across two friendlies, Bijev signed with the English giants, but was immediately loaned to Fortuna Dusseldorf in the German 2. Bundesliga due to work permit issues.

After loan spells with Dusseldorf and later Norwegian side IK Start, Bijev returned to England in 2013 to play for Liverpool's U-23 team.