Article by Maria Olteanu – Published Thursday, January 15, 2026, 11:05 / Updated Thursday, January 15, 2026 11:07
Lecce and Sassuolo are interested in the services of central defender Mario Tudose (20), a player who has attracted the interest of several teams this mercato period.
The announcement regarding the interest in the player from FC Argeș comes the day before the match with FCSB, the first of 2026, which takes place on Friday evening, from 20:00, liveTEXT on GSP.ro and on TV on Prima Sport 1 and Digi Sport 1.
In recent months, the name of Mario Tudose has been linked to many discussions about a possible transfer of the talented defender to one of the giants of the championship. FCSB, Dinamo, Rapid and Craiova were interested in the FC Argeș footballer, who is now the subject of a material in the Italian press.
Tutto Mercato Web writes that Lecce or Sassuolo, respectively 17th and 11th in Serie A, could represent an option for Tudose's future.
Mario Tudose, on the radar of two Italian teams
Mario Tudose in a duel with Grameni / PHOTO: Imago
“Lecce and Sassuolo, interested in Tudose: the Romanian U21 international can come to Italy. A new defender for Serie A in Romania? It's about Mario Tudose, central defender born in 2005, registered at ACSC FC Argeș. 21 appearances, all as a starter, in the championship.
In Romania, he is one of the most watched players on the market: the player from Pitesti, whose contract expires in the summer of 2029, has interest from FCSB (whom he will meet in the next stage), Dinamo Bucharest and Craiova University.
The player was born and raised in the Argeș academy, but then moved to Benfica's U17 team, which de facto owns 50% of the federation rights (he has half of a possible resale made by the Romanian club). Why Serie A? Because Tudose's file is on the desk of several clubs.
According to information obtained by tuttomercatoweb.com, the 20-year-old Romanian would be watched and evaluated by Sassuolo, Lecce and more, both in this mercato window and in the summer one.
Further updates are expected soon, especially as other big clubs in Romania are prepared to complete the deal if an Italian club does not sign him. As mentioned, Tudose has played 21 matches in the Romanian league this season, all as a starter, with 94% of playing time as well as three matches in the Romanian Cup.
Despite his young age, he has become an important piece. He came through the ranks of the national youth team and is now a key player for the Under-21 team,” the Italian journalists noted.
1million euros is Mario Tudose's share according to transfermarkt
I see myself in a good European championship in 5 years. I let things happen by themselves and what God wants. Any footballer would like to reach such a level. Benfica is a big club, Champions League, title holder in a strong championship like that of Portugal.
– Mario Tudose, FC Argeș player
