Abdoulaye Niakate: Ivorian defender joins Unirea Alba Iulia on free transfer from Pop. Leordeni

Ivorian centre-back Abdoulaye Niakate has joined Romanian side Unirea Alba Iulia on a free transfer from Pop. Leordeni.

The 26-year-old, born in Bouake and standing at 1.85m, moves after a brief spell with the Liga 2 club, switching within Romania as Unirea strengthen their defensive options ahead of the new campaign. The deal is a permanent move, completed without a transfer fee.

Niakate operates primarily as a right-footed central defender and already has experience in Romanian football across league and cup competitions. He has featured in Liga 2 and the Liga 2 play-out, as well as the Romanian Cup, building up senior minutes in the country’s professional tiers.

Before his move to Pop. Leordeni earlier this month, Niakate was on the books of CFR Cluj II, initially joining them from FC San Pedro. During his time in Romania he has also had loan spells, including with CSU Alba Iulia and Dumbravita, gaining exposure across different levels of the domestic pyramid.

Niakate has also played continental football, making eight appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup and totalling 720 minutes in the competition, adding international experience to his profile.

Unirea Alba Iulia will now look to integrate the Ivorian into their back line after confirming his arrival as a free agent from Pop. Leordeni.