Daniel Oprița is confronting a difficult summer at Steaua București as he works to assemble the squad for the upcoming 2025-2026 Liga 2 season under tight financial restrictions. The coach is tasked with building a competitive team while adhering to a strict salary cap, which has limited his options significantly.
Steaua officially regrouped on June 18 at the Ghencea Sports Complex, with 20 players attending the first training session. While some new signings were present, notable absences reflected players who had already left the club to pursue other opportunities. Oprița has planned two training camps before the league resumes: the first held locally from June 23 to July 4, and the second scheduled in Bulgaria from July 7 to 18, aiming to finalize a cohesive squad before competitive matches begin.
Despite rumors suggesting Steaua offers the highest salaries in the league, Oprița clarified that this is far from reality. He explained that the club’s budget constraints force them to offer modest wages, typically not exceeding €3,500 monthly, excluding accommodation and meals, which are charged separately and can add roughly €500 or more per month. The coach emphasized that his current squad is small—about 20 players plus academy prospects with unknown wages—and he struggles to reach a full roster. He also highlighted that some players, like Bogdan Chipirliu and a Spanish recruit who moved on to Liga 1, received higher salaries, but these cases are exceptions rather than the rule.
This summer has seen significant roster turnover. Steaua acquired several new players including Mihai Adăscăliței (formerly of Poli Iași), Ștefan Pacionel (Unirea Slobozia), Ianis Doană and Andrei Lascu (both from ACSM Reșița), Mario Ioniță (Petrolul), and Spaniards Alex Gualda and Ruben Lopez Huesca. Additionally, Adrian Frănculescu’s loan from CFR Cluj was extended. On the departures side, the club parted ways with key names such as Rareș Enceanu and Mihai Kereki (both to FC Bihor), David Matei (U Craiova), Rober Sierra and Nacho Heras (Campionii FC Argeș), as well as Daniel Iglesias and Daniel Vîrtej (Sepsi OSK), among others.
Oprița’s efforts to forge a balanced and well-drilled squad are critical as Steaua seeks to improve its standing in Liga 2. The coach’s commitment to integrating new players into his tactical system while managing financial limits underscores the delicate balancing act faced by many clubs operating under strict budgetary frameworks.