As the current championship season unfolds, Craiova and FCSB are seen as the primary contenders for the title, according to prevailing opinions. Although clubs like Dinamo, Rapid, U Cluj, and FC Argeș could also enter the title race, the ultimate champion is likely to emerge from the rivalry between Craiova and FCSB, with a slight edge for the latter.
FCSB’s recent exit from the Conference League might allow them to focus entirely on domestic competitions. Meanwhile, Craiova, participating in the Europa League, will face a more demanding schedule with matches every three days.
Observing their transfer strategies reveals contrasting approaches. Craiova, basking in the success of last season where they secured the title, cup, and supercup, has opted to retain its squad without losing key players. In contrast, FCSB has undergone significant roster changes, albeit without substantial financial outlay.
Club owner Becali has invested €1.3 million in Boutoutaou from Sochaux and €100,000 for Labonne from Caen, while acquiring other players like Gnahore and Batubinsika at no cost or recalling them from loans.
Most recently, FCSB announced the signing of 31-year-old Cameroonian forward Garita, who arrives from the second-tier Chinese team Shenzhen Juniors. Garita is returning to Romania after a season marred by relegation with FC Argeș. His career has included stints in Saudi Arabia and Israel, but he has struggled to find a stable position until now, being welcomed in Bucharest like a star.
However, if FCSB believes that signing players like Boutoutaou from French league 3 and Garita from a Chinese second division will significantly strengthen their squad, there are concerns that they might be settling for less. It raises questions about their ambitions, particularly in a football landscape that often reflects a lack of visionary goals.
Notably, FCSB has expressed interest in players like Florinel Coman and Drăguș but has struggled to meet their lofty salary demands. Drăguș commands an annual salary of €1.5 million from Trabzonspor, while clubs like Galatasaray offer significant contracts to other players, such as Osimhen from Nigeria.
Even if FCSB could afford to pay Drăguș over a million euros annually, internal dynamics could create unrest within the squad, especially among players like Florin Tănase or Joao Paulo, who might feel undervalued facing such disparities in salaries. This could lead to discord within the team.
Thus, Romanian football seems to remain caught in a vicious cycle. While it may boast certain accomplishments, it lacks the financial resources to offer competitive salaries or attract top-tier players. Therefore, it seems prudent to temper expectations and acknowledge the limitations of what can be achieved within the current framework.
