Unirea Ungheni is set for a major squad transformation ahead of the upcoming Liga 2 campaign, having officially announced the departure of 16 players who featured to varying extents in last season’s competition. This significant turnover marks a clear effort by the club to reshape its roster following a challenging previous season.
The club recently regrouped and played its first pre-season friendly against AFC Hermannstadt, narrowly losing 3-2. It was in this announcement that Unirea Ungheni confirmed the list of players leaving the club, signaling a broad restructuring phase.
Among the departing players are goalkeepers Mark Lupu (21) and Paul Ganea (19), defenders such as Alin Chinteș (19), Alin Techereș (18), Daniel Pop (26), Abel Popa (22), and Cristin Jalbă (27), midfielders including Yuh Moses (22), Mădălin Popa (33), Romain Oller (21), Cătălin Savin (34), and George Gogescu (19), and forwards Szilard Magyari (27) and Kevin Ciubotaru (21). Several of these players had substantial playing time last season, such as Chinteș (26 matches), Abel Popa (24 matches, 3 goals), and Magyari (20 matches, 6 goals).
Some of the players have already secured new clubs: Chinteș and Techereș returned to Universitatea Cluj, with Techereș loaned to Sepsi OSK for the 2025-2026 season; Daniel Pop joined SCM Zalău; Abel Popa signed with FC Bihor Oradea; Blidărean returned to Viitorul Cluj; Magyari moved to CSM Olimpia Satu Mare; Veselinovic transferred to Bulgaria’s Sevlievo; and Ciubotaru rejoined AFC Hermannstadt.
In terms of recruitment, Unirea Ungheni has brought in Florin Iacob as part of their rebuilding efforts. The club is also reported to be finalizing additional transfers and contract renewals for key players to stabilize the squad.
The extensive roster changes reflect Unirea Ungheni’s ambition to improve their standing in Liga 2, especially following a season with mixed performances and limited success. The club’s strategic overhaul could influence their competitiveness and tactical approach in the forthcoming season.