U Cluj manages player transfers as Lukic deal fails and Trică moves to Cyprus

U Cluj is managing significant roster changes following the collapse of a potential transfer for striker Jovo Lukic and the successful departure of Atanas Trică.

Radu Constantea, president of U Cluj, denied reports from Egyptian media claiming that Lukic's failed transfer to Pyramids FC was due to heart problems. Constantea described such claims as false, stating that negotiations stalled because the Egyptian club redirected their focus toward other attacking options. Lukic, the previous season's SuperLiga top scorer, remains a candidate for a transfer valued at approximately 3 million euros.

In a separate move, 22-year-old Atanas Trică has transferred to the Cypriot club AEK Larnaca. Eugen Trică confirmed the deal, noting that U Cluj secured a transfer fee and retained a 25% sell-on clause for any future transfer. The move provides Trică with more playing time following the arrival of new offensive reinforcements like Alibek Aliev at U Cluj.