Raji Ayomide: Nigerian midfielder joins Popesti Leordeni on loan from U Cluj

Nigerian defensive midfielder Raji Ayomide has joined Sport Club Popesti Leordeni on loan from U Cluj as the Liga 2 side moves to strengthen its midfield options for the 2026-27 campaign.

The 20-year-old, who stands at 1.88m and plays primarily as a holding midfielder, links up with the Romanian second-tier club on a temporary deal, with the move running until 30 June 2027. Ayomide remains under contract with U Cluj and is due to return there at the end of the season.

Ayomide heads to Popesti Leordeni with a market value of €25,000, offering physical presence and defensive cover in front of the back line. The switch comes at the start of a busy season for his parent club, who are involved in the SuperLiga and European qualifying rounds, while Popesti Leordeni look to add depth as they compete in Liga 2.

The midfielder first arrived at U Cluj in October 2025, joining from Jimmy FA in a deal worth €80,000. Earlier this year he spent part of the 2025-26 season on loan at CSM Olimpia Satu Mare before returning to Cluj at the end of that campaign.

Born on 7 February 2006, Ayomide has already experienced football in multiple systems, having previously been on the books of Jimmy FA and Hapoel Petah Tikva’s under-19 side before his move to Romania.

Ayomide’s loan to Popesti Leordeni is registered for the 2026-27 season, with the Nigerian midfielder scheduled to rejoin U Cluj when the agreement expires on 30 June 2027.