CFR Cluj has officially signed Nigerian international Kenneth Omeruo, with club president Cristi Balaj revealing the rationale behind bringing in the 31-year-old centre-back as a free agent.
Omeruo, a seasoned defender with 69 caps for the Nigerian national team, joins the Romanian side following the departure of Andrei Burcă, who opted for a more lucrative contract offer from China.
Speaking to Liga DigiSport, Balaj highlighted Omeruo’s wealth of international experience as a key factor in the club’s decision.
“He is a player who has 69 appearances for the Nigerian national team. He had a medical situation with his meniscus, but the important thing is to recover and return to full fitness,” Balaj said.
“When you are captain of the Nigerian national team, you can’t help but have quality. He plays as a central defender, and if he returns to form, it will be beneficial for everyone.”
Omeruo arrives at CFR Cluj after parting ways with Turkish club Kasimpasa earlier this year.
He previously had a lengthy stint with Chelsea FC between 2012 and 2019, during which he was loaned to several clubs including ADO Den Haag, Middlesbrough, Kasimpasa, Alanyaspor, and CD Leganés. Despite being contracted to the London club for over seven years, he never made a first-team appearance.
In 2019, Spanish side Leganés purchased Omeruo from Chelsea for €5.8 million after a successful loan spell.
He went on to spend five seasons with the La Liga outfit before moving to Kasimpasa in July 2023 in a deal reportedly worth €1 million.
Now fit and eager for a fresh challenge, Omeruo is expected to bring leadership and experience to CFR Cluj’s backline as the club prepares for the upcoming Liga I campaign
