Universitatea Craiova transfer negotiations

In early July, Romanian club Universitatea Craiova rejected a €2.2 million offer from MLS side Chicago Fire for Georgian midfielder Anzor Mekvabishvili, preferring to keep the 25‑year‑old until the club completes its UEFA Champions League qualifying matches. A higher €3 million bid from French Ligue 1 team Toulouse was also turned down, signalling the club’s intent to retain key players while pursuing European success.

Two weeks later, Belgian side RSC Anderlecht withdrew its €4 million bid for Romanian forward Stefan Baiaram after Craiova demanded around €5 million. The striker, under contract until 2030, remains at the Romanian club, which continues to hold out for higher valuations on its talent.

Both episodes illustrate Craiova’s firm stance on transfer fees and its strategy of maintaining squad depth during a crucial European campaign.