Gigi Becali abandons Jovo Lukic transfer after price dispute and coach advice

Gigi Becali has abandoned plans to sign Jovo Lukic from Universitatea Cluj for FCSB. The decision follows discussions with head coach Dan Petrescu, who advised against the move. Petrescu reportedly told Becali that the squad already had sufficient attacking options, specifically citing forwards Stoian and Drăguș as adequate coverage for the position.

A significant factor in the failed negotiations was the financial gap between the two clubs. Becali stated that he offered 2 million euros for the player. Universitatea Cluj, however, demanded at least 3 million euros. Fanatik reported that the asking price was approximately 3 million euros, which exceeded Becali's willingness to pay. Transfermarkt values Lukic at 2.2 million euros.

The interest in Lukic intensified after Universitatea Cluj defeated FCSB 1-0 in matchday 14 of the Romanian Superliga. Lukic scored the winning goal in that fixture. Following the match, Becali criticized both Lukic and his teammate Macalou, stating they did not meet expectations during the game. This performance occurred shortly after Lukic had scored six goals in his previous three matches, including games against Corvinul and CFR Cluj.

Lukic has been a prominent figure in the league this season. He has recorded 11 goals and four assists in 15 matches for Universitatea Cluj. His form earned him the title of SuperLiga top scorer and a call-up to the Bosnia national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. He joined Universitatea Craiova in 2024 after playing for several Bosnian clubs, including NK Zvijezda, Sloga Doboj, FK Krupa, and Borac Banja Luka.

Despite the collapse of the Lukic deal, Becali confirmed that FCSB intends to strengthen the squad during the winter transfer window. He outlined plans to sign four players: a left-back, a defensive midfielder, a playmaker, and a striker. Becali believes that making three good moves in the January window could help his team win the Romanian championship.

There are conflicting accounts regarding the influence of Dan Petrescu on the final decision. While Prima Sport and Digi Sport report that Petrescu’s advice played a role in abandoning the transfer, Becali explicitly denied that the coach’s opinion influenced his choice. He stated that he did not listen to Petrescu and maintained his intention to sign a striker regardless of the coach's reservations.