The €7 Million Rejection

The phone rang in Steaua's fortress, but Gigi Becali didn't pick up the check. A staggering seven million euro bid landed on the desk for Daniel Bîrligea, the FCSB striker who tore up the scoreboard as the league's top scorer two seasons ago. But Becali? He slammed the door. Fast. While the math suggests a profitable flip—buying the 26-year-old for three million from CFR Cluj—the owner isn't playing accountant. He's playing general. Becali rejected the offer outright, declaring he needs a solid nucleus to build a competitive squad for the upcoming season. The money is good, but the vision is bigger.

The Striker's Dilemma

Bîrligea has been a machine since his September 2024 arrival. Thirty-seven matches, thirteen goals, six assists. The numbers don't lie. His performances even caught the eye of Schalke 04, who reportedly dangled eight million euros in his direction. Yet, with three years left on his contract and a massive fifteen million euro release clause, Becali sees no reason to sell. "I took Bîrligea, he cost me three million, I had seven on him," Becali told DigiSport, blunt and unbothered. He argues that the domestic market offers no quality replacements, making retention the only logical path.

Value vs. Attitude

But is the striker worth the hype? Not everyone buys the pitch. Marian Aliuță, speaking to GSP, poured cold water on the transfer fever. "It's impossible anyone gives fifteen million today," Aliuță claimed. He labeled Bîrligea a hard worker, yes, but criticized his attitude. "He gestures, waves his hands, makes mistakes... he has much to work on." With a recent injury sidelining him for the Conference League playoff against Dinamo București and missing Romania's friendlies, the striker's value is under a microscope. Becali holds the cards. Will he fold? Unlikely.