Quadri Taiwo: Nigerian forward joins Popesti Leordeni on loan from U Cluj

Nigerian centre-forward Quadri Taiwo has joined Sport Club Popesti Leordeni on loan from top-flight side U Cluj. The 20-year-old moves to the Liga 2 club for the 2026-27 season, adding height and competition in attack for the Ilfov outfit.

Taiwo, who stands at 1.87m and is right-footed, arrives from a U Cluj side competing in the Romanian SuperLiga and in European qualifying rounds. He has yet to feature this season, with no appearances recorded across league, European qualifiers or the Romanian Supercup campaign so far, and the switch gives him the opportunity to seek regular minutes in the second tier.

The forward joined U Cluj in October 2025 for a reported €150,000 after a spell at Jimmy FA. Earlier in the 2025-26 season he had a loan stint at ACSM Resita, returning to Cluj at the end of that campaign before this latest move was finalised.

Born on 6 January 2006, Taiwo already has experience in youth and senior football across multiple clubs, including a loan at Bnei Sakhnin’s under-19 side before his transfer to Romania. His current deal includes a scheduled return to U Cluj in June 2027, at the conclusion of his loan with Popesti Leordeni.

Taiwo’s move means Popesti Leordeni add a SuperLiga-contracted striker to their squad on a temporary basis for the 2026-27 season.