The Romanian forward, who lit up last season with an impressive tally of 25 goals, finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons this campaign.
Once considered untouchable in the starting XI, he has not started a single game since the fallout over a wage dispute that erupted earlier this month.
Tensions escalated when he refused to take the field in a crucial clash against Braga, citing frustration over unpaid wages and what he described as “broken promises” from the club’s management.
The standoff has left the forward isolated, with coaching staff reluctant to reintegrate him until the financial matter is resolved. His absence has been glaring, as his team has struggled for goals in recent matches, amplifying the pressure on both sides to find a resolution.
Clubs across Europe, including Celtic, are keeping a close eye on developments, with the situation potentially paving the way for a transfer. For Celtic, the chance to land a prolific striker at a reduced fee could prove tempting, especially ahead of their domestic title push and European commitments. However, until his contractual dispute is settled, the forward’s future remains clouded in uncertainty.
