Daniel Oprița is navigating a difficult summer at Steaua București as he works to assemble the squad for the 2025-2026 Liga 2 season under tight financial restrictions. With a limited budget and a salary cap in place, Oprița’s primary challenge is recruiting players who fit the club’s financial framework while striving to build a competitive and cohesive team[2].
Steaua officially regrouped on June 18 at the Steaua Sports Complex in Ghencea, with 20 players attending the first training session, including new signings and some notable absences—mainly players who have already left the club[2][4]. The squad is currently lean, and the team is preparing to depart for their second summer training camp, scheduled in Bulgaria from July 7 to 18, following an initial camp held at the club’s facilities between June 23 and July 4[2].
Oprița openly addressed criticisms claiming Steaua offers the highest player salaries, explaining that the reality is quite different. He pointed out the club’s modest wage structure, with top salaries capped around €3,500 per month—excluding accommodation and meals, which are separately covered and can add roughly €500 more per player. He emphasized that many players in the squad are young academy graduates earning less, making it difficult to maintain a large roster. For context, other teams may have larger squads (up to 27 players) but still operate within a similar salary range, suggesting Steaua’s budget is comparatively constrained[2].
The coach expressed his determination to form a well-integrated squad quickly, noting the influx of many new players means he must invest time in familiarizing them with his tactical system. He stressed his professionalism and contractual commitment not to compromise the team’s preparation despite the challenges[2].
This summer, Steaua has brought in reinforcements such as Mihai Adăscăliței (ex-Poli Iași), Ștefan Pacionel (ex-Unirea Slobozia), Ianis Doană and Andrei Lascu (both ex-ACSM Reșița), Mario Ioniță (ex-Petrolul), and Spaniards Alex Gualda and Ruben Lopez Huesca, alongside extending Adrian Frănculescu’s loan from CFR Cluj. At the same time, several players have departed, including Rareș Enceanu and Mihai Kereki to FC Bihor, David Matei to U Craiova, and others moving to various clubs[2].
Oprița’s situation is compounded by the recent uncertainty surrounding his own future earlier in the summer, with reports suggesting his potential departure to Sepsi OSK disrupted contract renewals for several players. However, he remains focused on preparing the squad for the new season[3][4].
**Insight:** Steaua’s constrained budget and squad turnover under Daniel Oprița highlight the financial realities shaping Romania’s second division, making strategic player integration and resource management critical for their campaign ambitions.