Gaziantep FC signs Romanian defender Florin Ștefan as transfer ban lifted

Romanian defender Florin Ștefan, formerly of Universitatea Craiova, has signed a one‑season contract with Turkish Süper Lig club Gaziantep FC. The club announced the signing at a ceremony attended by president Memik Yilmaz, noting that Ștefan will join fellow Romanians Alexandru Maxim and Deian Sorescu in Turkey.

The transfer follows the resolution of a FIFA-imposed transfer ban on Gaziantep, which stemmed from an unpaid €500,000 debt to former players Sokratis Dioudis and Badou Ndiaye. After the club settled the debt, FIFA lifted the ban, allowing new signings before the start of the upcoming season. Coach Mirel Rădoi, who had earlier received the news of the ban, can now strengthen the squad ahead of the pre‑season camp.