A New Chapter in Liga 2
Andrei Burlacu, the 29-year-old striker who once promised so much at Universitatea Craiova and later joined FCSB with high expectations, has signed with CSC Dumbravita in the Romanian Liga 2. The forward, who was released after making only three appearances for FCSB, will continue his career in the second division with the club that finished fifth in Group B of the play-out round last season.
Burlacu’s career has been a story of unfulfilled potential. Born in Botosani, he began his youth career at Universitatea Craiova, progressing through the U19 and reserve teams before breaking into the first squad.
Rise and Fall
Between 2016 and 2019, Burlacu wore the white-and-blue of Craiova at senior level, winning the Romanian Cup in May 2018. At his peak, he was valued at 500,000 euros, a testament to the promise he showed in his early years. However, a series of loan moves to Poli Iasi, Chindia Targoviste, and Concordia Chiajna followed, and his development stalled.
The turning point came when Gigi Becali brought him to FCSB. The move, which should have been a career highlight, quickly soured. Becali’s public criticism was brutal: I have realized he will not play anymore. I did not send him onto the pitch, but I included him in the squad. It was a mistake. I would rather have had Keseru on the bench, not him. Burlacu was effectively frozen out.
Wanderings Through Romanian Football
After leaving FCSB on a free transfer, Burlacu moved to CS Mioveni (9 appearances), then FC Botosani (5 appearances), and finally CSM Resita. Last season, he managed just 7 appearances for the Caras-Severin side, scoring one goal. For most of those matches, he came off the bench.
Throughout his difficult period, there has been one constant: his father-in-law, Flavius Stoican. Burlacu met Stoican’s daughter Lorena during his time at Craiova, and the couple have since started a family with a young son. The familial connection has shaped his career path more than any tactical decision. He followed Stoican to Mioveni, then to Botosani, just as he had earlier followed him to Poli Iasi on loan in the 2018-19 season. Most recently, the two worked together at CSM Resita until Stoican left in March to sign with Farul Constanta in Liga 1.
Now valued at just 25,000 euros, a fraction of his peak valuation, Burlacu will look to rebuild his career at CSC Dumbravita in Liga 2.
