Felgueiras confirms past interest in Boutoutaou amid FCSB ultimatum

Mario Felgueiras, sporting director of Universitatea Craiova, confirmed that his club previously monitored Aymen Boutoutaou as a potential recruitment target. Speaking to Orange Sport, Felgueiras explained that Boutoutaou was identified as a valuable player who could have served as a replacement had Universitatea Craiova sold a starting squad member during the preceding winter transfer window. The official noted that the club must always anticipate departures in either the summer or winter markets to prepare adequate succession plans.

Despite missing out on the Algerian forward, Felgueiras stated he harbors no concerns regarding Boutoutaou’s current trajectory at FCSB. He argued that many players require challenging environments to mature and often emerge stronger when moving to new clubs or countries. This assessment comes after FCSB completed the signing of Boutoutaou from French side Sochaux for a fee of 1.3 million euros, making him the club's most expensive acquisition of the summer window. Dinamo had also pursued the player one year earlier, but negotiations collapsed because Sochaux’s financial demands were not met.

Boutoutaou has recorded four goals in 15 appearances for FCSB, including a two-goal performance in a 4-1 victory over Rapid. However, these statistics have not satisfied owner Gigi Becali, who publicly issued an ultimatum following a 0-1 defeat to U Cluj. Becali declared he would grant the player patience for only six additional matches, asserting that Boutoutaou frequently loses possession and has failed to validate the significant financial outlay required to secure his services.

The tension between ownership and player has already prompted attempted roster adjustments. Approximately one month ago, Becali approached Universitatea Craiova counterpart Mihai Rotaru with a proposal to exchange Boutoutaou for Nsimba. Although both clubs engaged in discussions regarding this potential swap deal, the parties ultimately could not reach an agreement, leaving Boutoutaou at FCSB under intensified scrutiny as he attempts to meet the owner's stated expectations.