Salford City FC has officially announced the signing of young defender Stephan Negru on a season-long loan from Oxford United. The club made the announcement earlier today (29th June) via their website, expressing their enthusiasm for Negru’s arrival and the potential boost he brings to the team’s defensive lineup.
The centre-back began his playing career with Shelbourne in the League of Ireland, before making the move in 2023 to Oxford United to play for then-manager Karl Robinson, and the 21-year-old is particularly looking forward to once again working with the Gaffer.
Stephan, said:
“He is a big part of why I came here, and I am excited to be playing underneath him, and getting the minutes that I need.
“He is someone that you trust in and he trusts in you, and he puts the belief in you, builds your confidence, and I like the style of football that he plays.
“I honestly cannot wait to get started and work underneath him and play my best football.”
Irishman Negru was part of the Oxford squad last season which would go on to achieve promotion from League One via the play-offs, making 19 appearances throughout the campaign including 13 in the league, and he is hoping for another promotion this season, but this time with the Ammies
He, continued:
“It was a huge experience to be involved in, a great group and we achieved what we wanted to achieve, that was the goal that we set out at the start of the season and we were over the moon.
“I’m here to win, I want to win the league, it is as simple as that. I don’t believe in just small goals, I aim for the highest that we can, and I believe that we can do that, win the league and get promoted to League One 100%.
“I am excited and I cannot wait to get started, you need a break from football but once you’ve had that week or two off, you’re eager to get back, and I honestly can’t wait to get back on the pitch and get with the lads, and enjoy playing football again and kick on.”
Video: Salford City FC
Speaking about his third new arrival this summer, Karl added:
“I’m really delighted to sign Stephan and I want to thank Ed Baldwin and Grant Ferguson at Oxford United.
“He’s a player that I believe has got tremendous growth in his career and this is an opportunity for him to play a lot of games to prove to people how good he can be.
“He’s quick, he’s good in the air and incredibly aggressive, and one thing I really admire is he loves a tackle so we’re looking forward to having him for the year. Off the pitch he’s very grounded and a good person, which is important to us too.”
The move is subject to EFL and FA approval and ratification.
