Andrei Cordea refuses to play for CFR Cluj amid transfer dispute with Yunnan Yukun

Andrei Cordea, considered CFR Cluj’s most valuable player, refused to take the field for the team’s match against Petrolul Ploiești in the 14th round of the SuperLiga. The winger’s absence was a direct protest against the club’s management regarding a pending transfer opportunity.

The dispute centers on an offer from Chinese club Yunnan Yukun, which currently employs Romanian players Andrei Burcă and Alexandru Ioniță. Yunnan Yukun submitted a bid of 600,000 euros for Cordea, but CFR Cluj officials rejected the initial amount, demanding at least 750,000 euros. The financial stakes for the player are significant, as the proposed contract in China includes a annual salary of one million euros.

Cordea feels his loyalty has not been reciprocated. He previously withdrew a formal complaint filed with the Romanian Football Federation (FRF) and agreed to remain with CFR Cluj during its insolvency proceedings, despite knowing this would result in losing a substantial portion of the wages owed to him. He had expected the club to support his departure if a favorable foreign offer emerged.

CFR Cluj head coach Marius Șumudică stated he was surprised by the situation. Upon discovering news reports about Cordea’s potential departure while in the locker room, Șumudică said he needed to clarify the player’s status with both the athlete and the club’s leadership to understand who he is coaching.

Răzvan Zăvăleanu, the judicial administrator of CFR Cluj, acknowledged the ongoing discussions with the interested Chinese club. While noting that contractual obligations should generally be respected, Zăvăleanu suggested the club is willing to help Cordea leave, citing the player’s past assistance during the club’s difficult financial period. He indicated that the final decision depends on objective factors related to the insolvency procedure and the club’s needs rather than the player’s protest.