Jonathan Cissé has completed a move to Universitatea Cluj, bringing an end to his two-year stint with fellow Romanian side Oțelul Galați.
The Ivorian centre-back, aged 28, was officially unveiled by Cluj on Monday as the club ramps up its preparations for the upcoming season.
The signing marks a significant addition to Cluj’s defensive ranks, as the club looks to reinforce its squad ahead of a demanding domestic campaign and participation in the Europa Conference League.
Cissé, who brings both experience and familiarity with Romanian football, is seen as a key figure in the club’s summer recruitment strategy.
Cissé arrived in Romania in 2022 when he joined Oțelul Galați, where he quickly established himself as a reliable presence at the heart of defence.
Over the course of two seasons, he made 61 appearances across all competitions and contributed six goals — an impressive tally for a centre-back.
His performances helped stabilise the back line and caught the attention of other clubs in the league, ultimately paving the way for his move to Cluj.
Universitatea Cluj confirmed the signing via an official statement, praising the Ivorian’s experience and leadership qualities.
The club believes Cissé’s familiarity with the Romanian league and his professional maturity will be instrumental as they target both domestic success and a solid showing in European competition.
A native of Divo, Côte d’Ivoire, Cissé’s career began with the reserve team of French side AS Monaco. Though he never broke into the first team at the Ligue 1 outfit, he continued to build his career abroad.
His most notable spell prior to his move to Romania came in Israel, where he spent several seasons with Hapoel Hadera.
There, he further honed his skills and gained valuable playing time, which helped shape him into the dependable defender he is today.
This latest move represents more than just a change of club; it offers Cissé the opportunity to test himself on a broader European platform.
With Universitatea Cluj qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League, the Ivorian defender is poised to compete on an international stage, where he will look to make a strong impression.
According to football analytics site Transfermarkt, Cissé currently holds a market valuation of €550,000, reflecting both his experience and recent form.
At 28, he is entering what is often considered a footballer’s prime years, and Universitatea Cluj will be hopeful that his arrival adds both stability at the back and a competitive edge within the squad.
Cissé now joins the ranks of the Șepcile roșii with a clear mission: to strengthen the defence, bring continental experience, and contribute to the club’s ambitions at home and in Europe.
His combination of physical presence, game reading ability, and leadership is expected to be a vital asset as Cluj looks to build on last season’s achievements.
The transfer signifies a fresh chapter for the Ivorian international, as he takes on a new challenge in the heart of Transylvania with a club eager to make its mark.
