Universitatea Craiova has officially announced the signing of Oleksandr Romanchuk, a 25-year-old central defender from Ukrainian club Kryvbas, marking the club’s eighth transfer this summer. The 1.93-meter tall defender has signed a three-year contract with the Romanian side, reinforcing their defensive line ahead of the new season.
Romanchuk arrives highly rated, having played 30 matches last season for Kryvbas and earning a place in the Ukrainian league’s Team of the Season. Transfermarkt values him at approximately €900,000, and Craiova reportedly paid around €750,000 for his transfer. His experience includes appearances for Ukraine’s U21 national team and stints at Lviv and Debrecen.
This signing fits into Universitatea Craiova’s broader summer recruitment strategy, which also includes players like Luca Băsceanu, Mihnea Rădulescu, David Matei, Alexandru Crețu, Samuel Teles, Tudor Băluță, and Nikola Stevanovic. Additional reinforcements, including Darius Fălcușan, Assad Al-Hamlawi, and a yet-to-be-identified striker, are expected to join soon.
Club legend and sporting advisor Sorin Cârțu expressed optimism about the squad’s reconstruction: “Since 2014, this is the most productive transfer period we’ve had. The goal is to quickly integrate the new players. We’re building a team for the future, blending young talent with experienced professionals. Our objectives are to finish in the top three, compete for the championship, qualify for European competitions, and win the Romanian Cup. The shareholders are making significant financial efforts, investing around €4 million this summer”.
Craiova’s active transfer window reflects their ambition to challenge for domestic honors and reestablish themselves as a dominant force in Romanian football. The arrival of Romanchuk is expected to bring stability and leadership to a defense that will be crucial for achieving these goals.