Aris Limassol signs defender Juraj Badelj from Universitatea Craiova

Aris Limassol has reached an agreement to acquire 22-year-old Croatian central defender Juraj Badelj from the Romanian club Universitatea Craiova. As reported on August 4, 2026, the transfer fee is set at 600,000 euros, with the Romanian club retaining a 15% sell-on clause for any future transfer of the player. The deal was finalized following direct negotiations between the leadership of both clubs, with reports indicating that the owner of Aris Limassol had established close ties with the Craiova management.

The decision to sell Badelj follows a period of criticism directed at the player after his dismissal in a match against Dinamo, which coincided with a series of lackluster performances. During his three-year tenure at Universitatea Craiova, Badelj made 75 appearances. The club's shareholders unanimously supported the decision to part ways with the defender. Following the agreement, the player is expected to travel to Cyprus to undergo mandatory medical examinations before the transfer is officially concluded.