Steve Kapuadi, the defensive pillar of Legia Warsaw, has moved to Widzew Łódź in the highest-value transfer within the Ekstraklasa. The Łódź-based club paid 3 million euros for the Democratic Republic of the Congo international, with 2 million paid in the first installment. This move aims to shore up the budget of Legia, who are fighting to avoid relegation, while Widzew continues its transfer offensive, having spent over 15 million euros this winter on squad reinforcements.

League Financial Record

Steve Kapuadi moved to Widzew for 3 million euros, making it the most expensive transfer within the Ekstraklasa.

Legia's Squad Problems

After Kapuadi's departure and Szymański's suspension, Marek Papszun must rely on youth in the match against Jagiellonia.

The transfer of Steve Kapuadi from Legia Warsaw to Widzew Łódź is now official, setting a new financial record in the history of transactions between clubs in the Polish league. The deal is worth 3 million euros, with the payment structure stipulating 2 million euros payable immediately and an additional million in bonuses. A key aspect of the agreement is the involvement of Wisła Płock, the player's former employer, who will receive 30% of the transfer profit, amounting to approximately 450,000 euros. Legia's sporting director, Michał Żewłakow, openly admitted that selling the key defender was driven by the necessity to stabilize the club's finances and the player's clear desire to leave after his failed move to Italy's Cremonese. The sporting situation of both clubs adds a particular context to this transaction, as both Legia and Widzew are currently in the lower regions of the table and fighting for league survival. For coach Marek Papszun, Kapuadi's departure poses a serious tactical challenge, especially since in the upcoming match against league leaders Jagiellonia Białystok, the suspended Damian Szymański will also be absent. The gap in defense is to be filled by the just 18-year-old Jan Leszczyński. Meanwhile, Widzew, financed by Robert Dobrzycki, is emerging as the transfer hegemon of the winter, bringing in players with established reputations, such as Bartłomiej Drągowski and Osman Bukari. The rivalry between Legia and Widzew, known as a classic of the Polish league, dates back to the 1970s and is based on deep antagonism between the fans of both cities, making direct transfers between these clubs events of significant weight. Parallel to the transfer events, Lech Poznań is preparing for the return leg in the Conference League against Finland's KuPS Kuopio. After a 2:0 away victory, coach Niels Frederiksen has a comfortable lead that allows for squad rotation, although the manager publicly tempers expectations, warning against underestimating the opponent. Radosław Murawski and Daniel Hakans have already returned to training with the Poznań team, increasing the room for maneuver ahead of the decisive phase of the fight for a place in the round of 16. „Opponents will have nothing to lose. They can play with a press and take maximum risks.” — Niels Frederiksen

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