Francois Yabré: Burkina Faso–Norway defender completes free transfer from U. Craiova II to Minerul Lupeni

Burkina Faso–Norway centre-back Francois Yabré has completed a move from U. Craiova II to ACS Minerul Lupeni on a free transfer, with his contract at the Romanian club running from 01/07/2026 to 30/06/2027. The 35-year-old defender joins Lupeni after leaving Craiova’s second team at the end of his previous deal, switching clubs within Romanian football.

Yabré, listed at 1.80m and primarily a right-footed central defender, is now officially registered as a Minerul Lupeni player. The transfer, confirmed as a free move, comes with no recorded market value at the time of completion, with his valuation given as None in the latest data. The deal keeps him in Romania, continuing his career abroad rather than in either of his home nations, Burkina Faso or Norway.

Born in Guitry on 10 May 1991, Yabré brings extensive experience to Lupeni’s back line. He is recognised as a dual national, holding both Burkinabé and Norwegian nationality, and is listed as a centre-back by trade. His new club, ACS Minerul Lupeni, also appears as his current national-team affiliation in the data, underlining the tight link between his club status and his footballing profile at this stage of his career.

The move marks a direct intra-Romanian transfer, with Yabré stepping away from U. Craiova II, who operate within the domestic structure but outside a clearly defined top-division league in the provided records. Minerul Lupeni similarly compete in Romanian competition designated as N/A in the league field, indicating they are part of the national pyramid but without further categorisation in the available information.

While financial details are limited, the confirmation of a free transfer and the absence of a market valuation reflect the late-career phase of a defender now in his mid-thirties. There is no indication of any loan arrangement or sell-on clauses; the switch is recorded as a straightforward permanent move. With no contract expiry date previously listed at U. Craiova II, it is also clear that Yabré’s status there had naturally run its course, allowing him to sign freely with Minerul Lupeni.

Yabré’s ability to operate as a central defender and his right-footed profile should offer Minerul Lupeni additional depth and experience in the heart of defence as he continues his professional journey in Romania under his new one-year deal.