The former player wanted by FCSB and Rapid, on the radar of Dutch and Spanish clubs: “Could close the deal”
Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, 20:35 / Updated on Tuesday, 20 January 2026 20:36
Kevin Ciubotaru, the left defender of Hermannstadt, is getting closer to a transfer abroad. The 21-year-old player is on the list of several clubs in Europe, such as Fortuna Sittard, Heerenveen, Go Ahead Eagles (former opponent of FCSB), but also Valladolid or Celta Vigo.
Ciubotaru was one of the names intensively circulated in the winter mercato in Romanian football. The left back was on Gigi Becali's list, but negotiations with FCSB stalled. Rapid was also interested in the player from Sibiu.
What the Italian press writes about the Romanian
The Italians analyzed the situation of Kevin Ciubotaru and the increased interest of clubs outside of Romania:
The player has several suitors abroad, notably from the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Italy, and his release clause is €450,000. Several clubs in our championship tried to transfer him by offering lower amounts, but the offers were rejected. The situation is different in Holland and Belgium, where interested clubs could seal the deal by the end of the transfer window, paying the entire clause and securing one of the most promising young defenders.
The most active clubs are Fortuna Sittard, Heerenveen and Go Ahead Eagles, while in Spain interest comes from Valladolid and Celta Vigo.– noted the Italians from Tuttomercato
Ciubotaru trained with Dinamo
Two years ago, Kevin Ciubotaru was in Dinamo's court. The “Dogs” received the young defender, who had completed his junior studies in Great Britain, at the Kinetic Academy, a structure affiliated with Glasgow Rangers.
Ciubotaru trained with Dinamo and also passed the medical examination, but in the end he chose to sign with Hermannstadt. At that time, Dinamo had a ban on transfers, and the player did not want to wait for it to be lifted, preferring the security of a contract in the Super League.
The path of Kevin Ciubotaru
Born in Rome, on February 2, 2004, Kevin Ciubotaru started his career in the juniors of Ciampino (Italy). Later, he went to Rapid Vienna and Admira Wacker, and before his experience in England he also played for Parma U19.
Last season, Kevin Ciubotaru was loaned by Hermannstadt in League II, to Unirea Ungheni, and in the current season he became a key player for the team coached by Marius Măldărășanu.
Ciubotaru is quoted at 400,000 euros on the specialized website Transfermarkt. In this Superliga season, the defender has ticked off 20 matches and managed a decisive assist.
