"Manu" Negotiations Reaching Finale - July 1, 2009

Negotiations for Maritimo Funchal player, "Manu", are in a very advanced state. The right-winger seems likely to be loaned out to Cluj for one year, after which CFR has the option to buy his contract. Manu played in 25 matches for Maritimo in the past season, scoring only once. Before that, he spent three years at Benfica earning 12 Portuguese Superliga caps, but also spent time on loan at several other clubs.  In addition, Manu also has 11 European cup caps to his name. The 25-year-old is considered by many to be a talented, speedy, and tactically sound footballer who can play on the right and in the center. If the transfer is indeed completed, than CFR's midfield and forward lines will truly be complete. However, there are still some glaring gaps left in defense that need immediate repair. 

Semedo Close to an Unexpected Comeback - June 25, 2009

Steaua Bucharest forward, Antonio Semedo, is apparently very close to making a return to Cluj. The 30-year-old right-winger left Cluj in September 2008 after falling out of favour with then coach, Ioan Andone. This departure occurred despite the wishes of the fans, who put on a show of convincing Semedo to stay. However, newly appointed Steaua coach, Cristiano Bergodi, could very well not agree to the move. The Italian tactician worked with Antonio at CFR back in 2006-2007, when Semedo was the Transylvanians' key player.

Negotiations Continue - June 19, 2009

CFR's representatives are currently negotiating the transfers of several players in the Portuguese Superliga, a market well tapped by the Transylvanians in the last three years. Joao Alves (Vitoria Guimaraes), Bruno Amaro, Nuno Pinto (both of Nacional Medeira), and Tiago Gomes (Estrella Amadora) are all rumoured to be possible candidates for a summer transfer to Cluj. On the other end, some of Cluj's players (Emmanuel Kone, Diarrasoubba Vieira, Vitinha, Lacine Traore, Vlad Bujor, Dorin Toma, Andre Galiassi, Dario Flores) are desperately wanted at Unirea Alba Iulia. Negotiations have already begun, though it is unlikely Unirea will opt to buy any contracts. Instead, the option of a loan seems far more feasible. 

Departures - June 17, 2009

Several players will be leaving Cluj this summer. Lars Hirschfeld is set to make a move to Energie Cottbus, a side recently relegated to 2. Bundesliga in Germany. Agustin Viana and Paolo Frangipane, who were both loaned, will also return to their former clubs in Uruguay and Argentina respectively. So far these are the only certain departures from Cluj. A few others, including Eduard Stancioiu, Diego Ruiz, Andre de Galiassi, and Dario Flores also may possibly leave. Emmanuel Kone, Rade Veljovic, Vitinha, and Lacina Traore may be loaned off, with the latter two probably heading off to newly promoted side Unirea Alba Iulia. Cristian Fabbiani, loaned to River Plate, is also unlikely to return and will probably remain in Argentina.

CFR CLUJ WINS THE CUP! - June 13, 2009

CFR won their second ever Romanian Cup after trouncing FC Timisoara 3-0 at Targu Jiu! Due to this magnificent win, the trophy will stay in Gruia for at least another year. The entire team played very well and they truly deserved a victory. Congratulations to the players, who gave it their all, and to the coaches, who led the team to a glorious victory!

Overall, the match was one dominated by CFR and mired by a small minority of the Timisoara fans, who chose not to support their team, but to instead engage in violent acts of hooliganism. It is these vandals who give Timisoara and its true supporters a bad name. On the other hand, CFR's fans continuously encouraged their team, proving that civil behaviour still has a place in Romania's stadiums.

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