Lincoln City sign Romanian international Andrei Coubiș from U Cluj in club-record 3m-euro deal
The 22-year-old centre-back arrives from Universitatea Cluj on a five-year deal, subject to international clearance, after a rapid rise from AC Milan's academy to the Romania national team.
The deal
Lincoln City have signed Romania international centre-back Andrei Coubiș from Universitatea Cluj on a five-year contract. The fee was not disclosed by the English club, but Romanian reports place it at roughly 3 million euros, a record sum for U Cluj, who also retain 15 per cent of the player's future rights. The transfer, announced on 25 July, is subject to a work permit and international clearance. For Lincoln, newly promoted to the Championship after a League One play-off win, the outlay is the club's most expensive signing and a statement of ambition for the season ahead.
Rapid rise through Cluj
Coubiș, 22 (Romanian outlets list him as 23), developed at AC Milan's academy before moving to Sampdoria. He arrived at Universitatea Cluj on loan in early 2026 and settled immediately, debuting on 24 January in a victory over Unirea Slobozia. Within weeks he had become a fixture under coach Cristiano Bergodi, providing an assist at Botoșani and netting twice in a fortnight against Oțelul, once in the league and once in the cup. That burst of form spurred Cluj to exercise a permanent buy option during the summer transfer window, and he started the first leg of the club's European qualifier against Dynamo Kyiv. Coubiș remained a linchpin in the play-off, missing only one match as Cluj chased a European place.
What Lincoln saw
Lincoln sporting director Jez George highlighted the defender's combination of physique and poise.
Andrei has elite physical attributes, plays with real aggression, shows composure in possession, fits our profile in this position perfectly and has a really high ceiling.
The club tracked Coubiș through his breakthrough season and moved decisively once Cluj made him available.
International breakthrough
Coubiș's club form earned him a first senior Romania call-up in March. He debuted on 31 March in a friendly against Slovakia and then collected two more caps in June, facing Georgia and Wales. Those three appearances, combined with his European experience, made him an attractive target for a Championship side seeking a young, internationally tested centre‑back.
- Joins Universitatea Cluj on loan from Sampdoria
- Debut and first start for U Cluj vs Unirea Slobozia
- Records first assist (at Botosani) and scores twice vs Otelul in league and cup
- Senior Romania debut in friendly against Slovakia
- Adds two more caps for Romania vs Georgia and Wales
- Cluj exercises purchase option; Coubis starts European qualifier vs Dynamo Kyiv
- Transfers to Lincoln City for a record 3m-euro fee
What's next
Lincoln said Coubiș will join the squad once the work‑permit formalities are completed. The Imps, back in the second tier for the first time since 2020‑21, are rebuilding their defence around a player who has already proven himself in Italy's youth system, Romania's top flight and European qualifiers.
