Aris Limassol completes signing of Juraj Badelj from Universitatea Craiova

Aris Limassol has reached a formal agreement with the Romanian club Universitatea Craiova for the transfer of 22-year-old Croatian central defender Juraj Badelj. The deal, which was facilitated by direct communication between the owners of both clubs, is valued at 600,000 euros. Under the terms of the agreement, Universitatea Craiova will retain a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer of the player. Badelj is expected to travel to Cyprus shortly to undergo mandatory medical examinations before the move is officially finalized.

Badelj, who recorded 75 appearances during his three-year tenure in Romania, had recently fallen out of favor with the club's coaching staff, particularly following criticism surrounding his performance and red card in a match against Dinamo. The decision to sell the defender was supported by all shareholders of the Romanian club.

Beyond this acquisition, Aris Limassol has also been linked with interest in another Universitatea Craiova player, 27-year-old Romanian defensive midfielder Tudor Baluta. While exploratory talks have reportedly taken place regarding Baluta, who is valued at approximately 1.7 million euros and under contract until 2027, no formal agreement has been reached between the parties as of early August 2026.