# Universitatea Craiova: European progress and financial goals

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/coaches-champion-young-leftbacks-at-grmio-and-fcsb
> Updated: 2026-08-25T07:37:11.000Z. Sources: 185. Developments: 72.

Universitatea Craiova’s Champions League campaign ended following a 2-2 draw with Levski Sofia, resulting in their relegation to the Europa League. Following the exit, club owner Mihai Rotaru held an emergency meeting with head coach Filipe Coelho to address defensive shortcomings. The club faces significant transfer pressure, with combined offers for forwards Ștefan Baiaram and Assad Al-Hamlawi reportedly reaching approximately €9.25 million, a sale that could offset financial losses from the early European exit.

In the SuperLiga, the defending champions have struggled to maintain momentum. After their European exit, Craiova suffered a 1-0 defeat against FC Argeș. Recently, the team played to a 1-1 draw against Oțelul Galați, a match marked by an early red card for Alexandru Crețu, which forced the squad to play with ten men for much of the game.

Craiova has since progressed in the Europa League, securing a 1-1 draw against KuPS Kuopio in the first leg of the third-round preliminary tie. The club has now qualified for the Europa League play-offs against Ararat-Armenia. This advancement guarantees participation in the Conference League main stage, expected to generate up to €10 million in revenue. Amidst this, Mihai Rotaru announced an ambitious long-term financial strategy, targeting a budget of 30 million euros within five years and 50 million euros by 2036.

Regarding the Levski Sofia match, UEFA has imposed three financial sanctions totaling 23,625 euros due to incidents during the Champions League second qualifying round. These included Levski supporters entering the stadium despite a travel ban and physical altercations in the tunnel involving sporting director Mario Felgueiras and player Serginho.

## Claims

- The second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round between Universitatea Craiova and Levski Sofia is scheduled for 29 July 2026 at 20:30 local time at Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova (corroborated by 10 sources)
- The second leg is scheduled for 29 July 2026 at 20:30 on the Ion Oblemenco stadium in Craiova. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Levski Sofia qualified for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- The match was played at Ion Oblemenco Stadium in Craiova on 29 July 2026 at 20:30 local time. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Levski Sofia defeated Universitatea Craiova 3‑2 on aggregate in the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Levski Sofia won the first leg 1‑0 at home against Universitatea Craiova. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Levski will face Kazakh side Kairat Almaty in the next Champions League round. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Universitatea Craiova will face Finnish side KuPS Kuopio in the Europa League third qualifying round. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Levski will travel to Romania by charter flight on 28 July. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- The result guarantees Levski Sofia participation in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Levski Sofia eliminated Universitatea Craiova in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League second qualifying round on 29 July 2026. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Levski Sofia won the second leg 2‑2, securing a 3‑2 aggregate victory over Universitatea Craiova (corroborated by 6 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Universitatea Craiova offers €1.5 million for Virgil Ghiță

Universitatea Craiova has offered €1.5 million to Hannover 96 for defender Virgil Ghiță, though the German club may seek a higher fee near €2 million.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-offers-15-million-for-virgil-ghi

### 2026-08-15: Corvinul Hunedoara defeats CFR Cluj 3-0 in SuperLiga upset

Corvinul Hunedoara upset CFR Cluj 3-0 in the Romanian SuperLiga, highlighting physical struggles for Șumudică's side. Other matches saw Oțelul and Universitatea Craiova draw 1-1.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-match-time-changed-in-romanian-superliga

### 2026-08-15: Universitatea Craiova owner targets 50 million euro budget by 2036

Universitatea Craiova owner Mihai Rotaru aims to grow the club's budget to 50 million euros by 2036, supported by recent UEFA prize money and European qualification progress.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-targets-new-transfers-following-uefa-revenue-boost

### 2026-08-05: Romanian clubs face mixed results in early European qualifiers

Universitatea Craiova drew 1‑1 with KuPS in Finland, while CFR Cluj was thrashed 0‑5 by Tromso, prompting coach dismissals and managerial turmoil.

23 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-transfer-dispute-and-europa-league-showdown

### 2026-07-31: Universitatea Craiova faces €9.25 million transfer pressure after Champions League exit

Universitatea Craiova, after a 2‑2 draw with Levski Sofia ends its Champions League run, faces €9.25 million in transfer offers for Baiaram and Al‑Hamlawi, prompting owner Mihai Rotaru to call an emergency meet

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-faces-925-million-transfer-pressure-after-champions-league-exit

### 2026-07-28: Levski Sofia advances to Champions League third qualifying round

Levski Sofia beats Universitatea Craiova 3‑2 on aggregate, advances to the Champions League third qualifying round, while Craiova moves to the Europa League qualifiers against KuPS.

35 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-bans-levski-sofia-fans-after-uefa-sanction-ahead-of-champions-league-tie

### 2026-07-26: Levski Sofia prepares for Champions League second leg vs Universitatea Craiova

Levski Sofia travel to Craiova for the Champions League second leg on 29 July 2026 after a 1‑0 first‑leg win; UEFA bans their fans, key players are injured, and the match will be televised.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-coach-velasquez-briefs-media-before-champions-league-qualifier

### 2026-07-25: Dinamo București's 5‑1 win over Universitatea Craiova triggers fines and stadium bans

Dinamo beat Universitatea Craiova 5‑1 at Arcul de Triumf; police fined 14 parties 18 450 lei, imposed six stadium bans and opened two criminal probes.

57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/real-madrid-names-sami-khedira-as-mourinhos-chief-assistant

### 2026-07-22: Universitatea Craiova faces mixed results and tactical changes in Superliga matches

Universitatea Craiova's coach Tomas lamented a 2‑2 draw with UTA Arad, while defender Opruț previewed a Dinamo derby under a new tactical system.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-faces-mixed-results-and-tactical-changes-in-superliga-matches

### 2026-07-21: Levski Sofia beats Universitatea Craiova 1‑0 in Champions League qualifier

Levski Sofia won 1‑0 over Universitatea Craiova in the Champions League qualifier first leg; a return in Craiova is set for next week, with Craiova’s coach confident of a comeback.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-coach-confident-ahead-of-champions-league-ties-with-levski-sofia

### 2026-07-21: Petrolul Ploieşti transfers: Marco Dulca to Kayserispor and Atay Akgun joins

Petrolul Ploieşti sees squad changes as midfielder Marco Dulca signs for Kayserispor and young Turkish defender Atay Akgun joins on a seasonal deal.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petrolul-ploieti-transfers-marco-dulca-to-kayserispor-and-atay-akgun-joins

### 2026-07-20: Luca Stancu's Dual Contract Dispute Delays FCSB Transfer

Luca Stancu’s move to FCSB stalls after a contract with FC Argeș emerges, risking suspension unless he is freed from Hermannstadt.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/andrei-coubi-near-3-million-transfer-from-universitatea-cluj-to-abroad

### 2026-07-19: Levski Sofia defeats Universitatea Craiova 1-0 in Champions League qualifier

Levski Sofia beat Universitatea Craiova 1‑0 in the first leg of the Champions League qualifiers, with Kristian Dimitrov scoring at 8’, and a return match set for 29 July in Romania.

20 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-wins-champions-league-qualifier-and-ranks-among-europes-most-attended-club-matches

### 2026-07-18: Romanian football season 2026‑27 launches with Superliga action and European draws

Romania’s 2026‑27 football season kicks off: Superliga opener sees Oțelul Galaţi in top‑five, Rapid win, and multiple results; European draws place Moldovan clubs in UEFA qualifiers and set Universitatea Craiov

25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rapid-bucharest-wins-season-opener-10-over-sepsi-as-new-coach-daniel-pancu-debuts

### 2026-07-18: Universitatea Craiova defeats UTA Arad 4‑0 in Superliga season opener

Craiova beat UTA Arad 4‑0 on debut, topping the Superliga table; goals by Teles, Baiaram, Elisor and an own‑goal.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiovas-season-opens-as-romania-and-bulgaria-kick-off-leagues

### 2026-07-17: FC Petrolul Ploiești signs CASHPOT as main sponsor ahead of Liga 1 clash with Dinamo

CASHPOT becomes FC Petrolul Ploiești's main sponsor for the 2026‑27 season, while Dinamo's new coach Nuno Campos readies his debut against the club.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fc-petrolul-ploieti-signs-cashpot-as-main-sponsor-ahead-of-liga-1-clash-with-dinamo

### 2026-07-16: Romanian SuperLiga clubs secure striker signings of Markovic and Lukic

FC Botoșani signs Jovan Marković, who expects 60–70 minutes per match after medical clearance, while Universitatea Cluj retains top scorer Jovo Lukić despite rejected offers, with his future described as likely

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-superliga-clubs-secure-striker-signings-of-markovic-and-lukic

### 2026-07-16: Aymen Boutoutaou signs three‑year deal with Romanian club FCSB

Aymen Boutoutaou joins FCSB on a three‑year contract for €1.35 million, earning €600 k annual salary and taking the number 28 shirt.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fcsb-completes-135-million-signing-of-french-forward-aymen-boutoutaou

### 2026-07-16: Radu Drăgușin signs for Fiorentina on loan with future purchase option

Romanian defender Radu Drăgușin joins Fiorentina on loan from Tottenham, with a €17.5 million future purchase clause; he credits sporting director Fabio Paratici and says he is fully recovered from injury.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/radu-drguin-signs-for-fiorentina-on-loan-with-future-purchase-option

### 2026-07-16: FCSB defeats FC Argeș 2-0 in opening match of Romanian SuperLiga 2026‑27

FCSB opened the 2026‑27 SuperLiga with a 2‑0 win over FC Argeș; other fixtures saw Voluntari draw 2‑2 with Botoșani and Oțelul host CFR Cluj. Summer transfers include Aymen Boutoutaou (€1.35 M) and Luca Stancu.

31 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cfr-cluj-owner-varga-secures-uefa-deadline-extension-as-fcsb-striker-compagno-returns-from-injury

### 2026-07-16: Levski Sofia to Host Universitatea Craiova in Champions League Qualifier

Levski Sofia publicised ticket sales and match details for its 22 July Champions League qualifier against Universitatea Craiova, following a sold‑out previous home leg and a recent domestic win.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/levski-sofia-hosts-universitatea-craiova-in-champions-league-qualifier

### 2026-07-15: Dinamo Kiev beats Universitatea Cluj on penalties in Europa League

Dinamo Kiev eliminated Universitatea Cluj from the Europa League on penalties (4‑2) after two goalless legs; Cluj moves to the Conference League to face Norway’s Brann.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dinamo-kiev-prepares-for-europa-league-clash-with-universitatea-cluj

### 2026-07-15: Romanian SuperLiga rolls out new 2026‑27 rule changes to speed up play and expand VAR

The 2026‑27 Romanian SuperLiga introduces rule changes to speed play, including a ten‑second exit limit for substitutes, a one‑minute penalty for medical treatment, expanded VAR powers, and direct dismissal for

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kyros-vassaras-outlines-new-superliga-refereeing-rules

### 2026-07-13: Midfielder Amin Ziblim inks three-year contract with CFR Cluj

Ghanaian 20‑year‑old midfielder Amin Ziblim signs a three‑year deal with Romanian side CFR Cluj after a season at Muscelul Câmpulung and a trial that featured a friendly versus Neftchi Baku.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/midfielder-amin-ziblim-inks-three-year-contract-with-cfr-cluj

### 2026-07-13: Universitatea Cluj shifts Europa League match to Sepsi OSK Arena

Universitatea Cluj will play its Europa League home leg at Sepsi OSK Arena on 23 July 2026 after Cluj Arena is occupied by Untold festival preparations.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-clujdinamo-kyiv-europa-league-match-sees-12000-tickets-sold

### 2026-07-13: Universitatea Craiova eyes Champions League progress after Super Cup triumph

Craiova won the Super Cup on penalties and leads 4‑1 over Vitebsk in the Champions League first leg; coach Coelho urges focus ahead of the second leg, while goalkeeper Isenko recovers and three players attract

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-wins-supercupa-romniei-eyes-new-investors-and-champions-league-push

### 2026-07-13: U Cluj captain Alex Chipciu urges team forward after Supercupa loss; player Issouf Macalou targeted with racist abuse

U Cluj lost the Supercupa on penalties; captain Alex Chipciu urged focus on the Euro League tie with Dinamo Kiev, while penalty‑misser Issouf Macalou faced racist threats online.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexandru-chipciu-urges-universitatea-cluj-to-bounce-back-after-supercupa-loss

### 2026-07-12: Romanian county football bodies open registration for 2026‑27 season

Romanian county football associations AJF Arad and AJF Argeș opened registration for the 2026‑27 season, outlining league structures, club requirements, financial guarantees, and new youth competition rules.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-county-football-bodies-open-registration-for-202627-season

### 2026-07-11: Petrolul draws 2-2 with Chindia Târgoviște in pre‑season friendly

Petrolul tied 2‑2 with Chindia Târgoviște in a pre‑season friendly, with goals from Jerdea, Rodrigo Martins, Băluță and Rareș Mihai before the season opener on 19 July.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/petrolul-draws-2-2-with-chindia-trgovite-in-preseason-friendly

### 2026-07-11: Romanian clubs Rapid Bucharest, Dinamo Bucharest and CSO Voluntari earn direct group-stage berths in EuroLeague Women &

Romanian basketball champion Rapid Bucharest secures direct entry to the 2026‑27 EuroLeague Women regular season, while volleyball clubs Dinamo Bucharest (men) and CSO Voluntari (women) await their CEV Champ Le

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-rapid-bucharest-dinamo-bucharest-and-cso-voluntari-earn-direct-group-stage-berths-in-

### 2026-07-10: Supercupa României match sees VAR shift and Craiova favored

FRF upgrades VAR with 6‑camera 4K system; due to a signal issue, Supercupa României VAR ran locally in Craiova, and Craiova is seen as the favourite.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-federation-signs-var-upgrade-contract-introducing-4k-hub-system

### 2026-07-10: Universitatea Craiova wins Romanian Supercup on penalties

Universitatea Craiova beat Universitatea Cluj 5‑3 on penalties after a 1‑1 draw in the 2026 Romanian Supercup, completing a domestic triple and prompting new investor interest.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cristiano-bergodi-urges-universitatea-cluj-to-fight-for-supercupa-romniei

### 2026-07-09: Universitatea Cluj draws 0-0 with Dinamo Kiev in Europa League

Universitatea Cluj held Dinamo Kiev to a 0-0 draw in the Europa League first leg in Lublin, with the return match set for July 16 in Cluj.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-cluj-draws-0-0-with-dinamo-kiev-in-europa-league-qualifier

### 2026-07-09: Dynamo Kyiv 0-0 with Universitatea Cluj as Omonia also held scoreless in Polish friendly

Dynamo Kyiv drew 0‑0 with Universitatea Cluj in Lublin, while Omonia held Korona Kielce to a goalless friendly, both matches taking place in Poland.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dynamo-kyiv-0-0-with-universitatea-cluj-as-omonia-also-held-scoreless-in-polish-friendly

### 2026-07-09: Dinamo Kiev vs Universitatea Cluj match halted by floodlight failure

Europa League tie between Dynamo Kiev and Universitatea Cluj in Poland was stopped by floodlight failure, resumed after repairs, and ended 0‑0.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dinamo-kiev-vs-universitatea-cluj-match-halted-by-floodlight-failure

### 2026-07-09: Radu Drăgușin signs with Fiorentina on €19 million deal

Radu Drăgușin moved from Tottenham to Fiorentina for €19 million, signing a deal until 2031 with a salary unchanged; former Romania coach Edi Iordănescu said he urged the move.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/radu-drguin-signs-with-fiorentina-on-19-million-deal

### 2026-07-09: Stefan Drazic signs for Romanian side CFR Cluj

Serbian forward Stefan Drazic, former APOEL striker, signs with CFR Cluj as the Romanian club eyes a Superliga title.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/stefan-drazic-signs-for-romanian-side-cfr-cluj

### 2026-07-08: Rapid Bucharest scores 60‑metre strike in friendly, then falls 1‑2 to Slovan Liberec

Rapid Bucharest's pre‑season in Austria featured Vulturar's 60‑metre goal in a 1‑1 draw with FC Kosice, followed by a 1‑2 loss to Slovan Liberec after squandering a 2‑0 halftime lead.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rapid-bucharest-scores-60metre-strike-in-friendly-then-falls-12-to-slovan-liberec

### 2026-07-08: Universitatea Craiova trio skip handshake ahead of Champions League match vs Belarus

Three Universitatea Craiova players refused handshakes before a Champions League tie with Belarus, citing the Ukraine war, while defender Adrian Rus secured a contract extension and fan award.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-trio-skip-handshake-ahead-of-champions-league-match-vs-belarus

### 2026-07-07: Romanian Football Federation rolls out new 2026‑27 match rules

The Romanian Football Federation announced 2026‑27 rule changes, including a 10‑second substitution limit, one‑minute off‑field for injured players, expanded VAR powers, stricter disciplinary measures, a newVAR

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-federation-rolls-out-new-202627-match-rules

### 2026-07-07: Universitatea Craiova defeats ML Vitebsk 4-1 in Champions League qualifier

Universitatea Craiova beat ML Vitebsk 4-1 in the first leg of the Champions League preliminaries, with goals from Baiaram, Al‑Hamlawi (2 penalties) and Nsimba; the return leg is set for 15 July in Craiova.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-launches-champions-league-bid-in-hungary-against-ml-vitebsk

### 2026-07-07: Dynamo Kyiv meets Universitatea Cluj in Europa League qualifier at Lublin

Dynamo Kyiv faces Universitatea Cluj in a Europa League first‑round qualifier at Lublin Arena, with Kyiv fielding Ponomarenko and new signings while Cluj rely on scorer Lukić.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dynamo-kyiv-meets-universitatea-cluj-in-europa-league-qualifier-at-lublin

### 2026-07-07: Romanian referee Andrei Chivulete withdrawn from Europa League after physical test failures

Romanian referees failed July physical tests; UEFA pulled Andrei Chivulete from a Europa League match, naming replacements, while new SuperLiga rules were unveiled.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-superliga-referees-fail-physical-tests-prompting-uefa-replacements

### 2026-07-06: Radu Drăgușin joins Fiorentina on season‑long loan from Tottenham

Romanian defender Radu Drăgușin joins Fiorentina on a loan from Tottenham, with a €17.5‑19 m purchase clause, citing his happiness and readiness to help the Serie A side.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/radu-drguin-moves-to-fiorentina-on-loan-from-tottenham

### 2026-07-05: Romanian clubs CFR Cluj and Rapid draw in summer friendlies

CFR Cluj drew 1‑1 with Olimpija Ljubljana in Slovenia and Rapid Bucharest held Rapid Vienna to a 0‑0 stalemate in Austria during their summer pre‑season friendlies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-cfr-cluj-and-rapid-draw-in-summer-friendlies

### 2026-07-05: Universitatea Craiova to debut in Champions League against ML Vitebsk

Universitatea Craiova will make their Champions League debut versus ML Vitebsk on 8 July in Hungary, with a return leg on 15 July. Top scorer Assad Al Hamlawi aims to score in every match, and a 24‑player squad

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-aims-for-champions-league-debut-after-record-44-m-transfer-spend

### 2026-07-04: Radu Drăgușin to join Fiorentina from Tottenham on loan with obligation to buy

Radu Drăgușin will move from Tottenham to Fiorentina on a loan with an obligatory €17‑21 million buy‑out and a 10 % sell‑on clause, strengthening Fiorentina’s defence and providing Spurs funds for their rebuild

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-reshape-squads-as-cfr-cluj-retains-stars-fcsb-midfielder-eyed-by-swiss

### 2026-07-04: Romanian clubs Petrolul and Rapid gear up for 2026‑27 season

Petrolul's preseason in Poland under Ricardo Sousa adds new players and seeks a striker, while Rapid, led by Daniel Pancu, feels pressure to improve after a fifth‑place finish and pursues several transfers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-petrolul-and-rapid-gear-up-for-202627-season

### 2026-07-04: Romanian clubs announce striker's European ambitions and midfielder's SuperLiga signing

Universitatea Craiova’s top scorer Assad Al‑Hamlawi hopes to join a top European league, while CFR Cluj signs Ghanaian midfielder Amin Ziblim from AFC Câmpulung Muscel.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-announce-strikers-european-ambitions-and-midfielders-superliga-signing

### 2026-07-01: U Cluj suffers 3-0 defeat to Vojvodina and faces tight schedule ahead of Europa League

U Cluj lost 0-3 to Vojvodina, extending a three‑match winless run, and coach Cristiano Bergodi warns of eight games in 25 days before their Europa League tie with Dinamo Kiev.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/u-cluj-suffers-3-0-defeat-to-vojvodina-and-faces-tight-schedule-ahead-of-europa-league

### 2026-06-30: Universitatea Craiova prepares for Champions League amid young defender Denis Benga’s exit

Universitatea Craiova’s Denis Benga ends his contract while the club, after a successful Austrian preseason, readies for Champions League qualifiers and the Super Cup.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-prepares-for-champions-league-amid-young-defender-denis-bengas-exit

### 2026-06-28: Vlad Chiricheș leaves FCSB as Romanian clubs overhaul summer squads

Vlad Chiricheș departs FCSB; multiple Romanian clubs announce summer signings, including Florin Tănase’s contract extension, Adi Rus staying at Craiova, and Union SG’s €3 m Darius Olaru deal.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/adrian-rus-extends-contract-with-universitatea-craiova

### 2026-06-27: Romanian clubs clinch promotion to Liga III after playoff baraj

Romanian lower‑league playoffs ended with 21 clubs promoted to Liga III; key matches, fan controversies and a post‑match aggression incident were reported.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-dinamo-and-universitatea-craiova-ready-for-summer-matches

### 2026-06-23: Alibek Aliev Signs with Universitatea Cluj After Leaving CFR Cluj

Alibek Aliev, 29, joins Universitatea Cluj after leaving CFR Cluj, aiming to boost the team’s European aspirations.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alibek-aliev-signs-with-universitatea-cluj-after-leaving-cfr-cluj

### 2026-06-21: Romanian football clubs announce player exits and new signings

Petrolul Ploiești sees three player exits, while CFR Cluj adds two signings, plans three more, and sells two players, highlighting active transfer activity in Romanian football.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-football-clubs-announce-player-exits-and-new-signings

### 2026-06-21: Universitatea Craiova and Universitatea Cluj prepare for European qualifiers

Romanian clubs Craiova and Cluj gear up for European qualifiers: Craiova draws Vitebsk in Champions League, Cluj loses to Croatia U19, and broadcast rights are being negotiated.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/u-cluj-loses-1-2-to-croatia-u19-in-first-summer-friendly

### 2026-06-18: Universitatea Craiova set for Champions League prelim match against Vitebsk

Universitatea Craiova faces Vitebsk in a Champions League qualifier; U Cluj meets Dinamo Kiev in Europa League, with veteran Yarmolenko opting out of European play.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-faces-belarus-champion-vitebsk-in-champions-league-prelim

### 2026-06-18: Romanian football clubs gear up for 2026‑27 season

Romanian clubs announce staff changes, ticket sales, new signings and pre‑season camps as they prepare for the 2026‑27 football season.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-oelul-galai-prep-for-202627-season-and-fc-arge-open-ticket-sales

### 2026-06-18: Goalkeeper Răzvan Sava signs four‑year deal with Universitatea Craiova

Răzvan Sava, 23, signs a four‑year contract with Universitatea Craiova after Udinese transfer, valued at €2.5 million, with a loan‑to‑permanent clause.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/goalkeeper-rzvan-sava-signs-fouryear-deal-with-universitatea-craiova

### 2026-06-16: Romanian clubs assigned European opponents in UEFA 2026‑27 draws

UEFA’s Nyon draw paired Romania’s clubs with European opponents: Universitatea Cluj vs Dynamo Kiev, FCSB and CFR Cluj in the Conference League prelims, and Universitatea Craiova against ML Vitebsk in the Champs

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-cluj-drawn-against-dinamo-kiev-in-uefa-europa-league-preliminaries

### 2026-06-15: Universitatea Craiova set to dominate Romanian SuperLiga and enter Champions League preliminaries

Ciprian Marica says Universitatea Craiova’s new ownership could make it the SuperLiga leader, and UEFA has seeded the club as a top‑seed in the Champions League qualifiers, giving it a favourable European draw.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-set-to-dominate-romanian-superliga-and-draw-easy-champions-league-opponent

### 2026-06-13: Romanian clubs prepare for European football qualifiers

Universitatea Craiova begins an Austrian camp ahead of Champions League qualifiers, while U Cluj searches for a stadium to host Europa League matches after the Cluj Arena is booked for a festival.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romanian-clubs-prepare-for-european-football-qualifiers

### 2026-06-12: Universitatea Craiova loans goalkeeper Răzvan Sava as defender Vasile Mogoș departs

Craiova loans keeper Răzvan Sava from Udinese, ends Vasile Mogoș’s stint, and midfielder Ștefan Baiaram gets married.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rzvan-sava-joins-universitatea-craiova-on-loan-from-udinese

### 2026-06-12: Universitatea Craiova eyes Champions League and secures Adrian Rus

Universitatea Craiova targets Champions League opponents and praises Adrian Rus’s contract extension as its best transfer, while eyeing potential signings like Jurica Pršić.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-eyes-champions-league-and-secures-adrian-rus

### 2026-06-08: Universitatea Craiova and Dinamo launch 2026‑27 season ticket sales, record demand in Romania

Universitatea Craiova sold a record 984 tickets in 30 minutes, while Dinamo offered reduced‑price season tickets for 2026‑27, both clubs gearing up for the new Romanian football season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-and-dinamo-launch-202627-season-ticket-sales-record-demand-in-romania

### 2026-06-08: Universitatea Craiova tops SuperLiga valuation as Stefan Baiaram leads player market

Transfermarkt values place Universitatea Craiova at €34.5 m as Romania’s most valuable SuperLiga club, while Stefan Baiaram tops the player market at €5 m; FCSB falls to second with €31.3 m.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-tops-transfermarkt-valuations-becoming-most-valuable-superliga-club

### 2026-06-07: Assad Al-Hamlawi Rejects Transfer Rumors, Prioritises Craiova’s Champions League Push

Striker Assad Al-Hamlawi, key scorer for Universitatea Craiova, rejects overseas transfer talks and stays focused on the club’s Champions League run.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/assad-al-hamlawi-rejects-transfer-rumors-prioritises-craiovas-champions-league-push

### 2026-06-07: Universitatea Cluj signs Portuguese midfielder Pedro Pinho

Universitatea Cluj signs Portuguese midfielder Pedro Pinho, adding to a recent transfer spate as the club prepares for its pre‑season camp and upcoming season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-cluj-signs-portuguese-midfielder-pedro-pinho

### 2026-06-06: Universitatea Craiova completes high‑profile signings of striker Assad Al‑Hamlawi and goalkeeper Alexandru Maxim

Universitatea Craiova signs striker Assad Al‑Hamlawi (valued €1.4 m) and goalkeeper Alexandru Maxim (valued €200 k) as it prepares for the upcoming season.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/universitatea-craiova-eyes-striker-alhamlawi-signs-goalkeeper-maxim

### 2026-06-04: Goalkeeper Alexandru Maxim signs with Universitatea Craiova

Alexandru Maxim, 19‑year‑old goalkeeper, leaves FCSB and signs a three‑year deal with Universitatea Craiova, returning to his hometown.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/alexandru-maxim-signs-with-universitatea-craiova-after-fcsb-contract-dispute

### 2026-06-03: Universitatea Cluj and Universitatea Craiova complete key player signings

Marius Ștefănescu signs with Universitatea Cluj, citing coach and salary; Adrian Rus extends his contract with Universitatea Craiova for two seasons.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/marius-tefnescu-signs-with-universitatea-cluj-adrian-rus-extends-deal-at-universitatea-craiova

### 2026-05-17: Universitatea Craiova wins Romanian league title, coach and players named honorary citizens

Universitatea Craiova clinches league title 5‑0, coach and players become honorary citizens; three clubs denied SuperLiga licences.

30 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fcsb-reflects-on-past-uefa-cup-run-as-coach-eyes-promising-young-leftback

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Cite as: Universitatea Craiova: European progress and financial goals. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/coaches-champion-young-leftbacks-at-grmio-and-fcsb