FCSB complete Karlo Muhar signing as Croatian midfielder takes No. 73 shirt

Karlo Muhar officially unveiled by FCSB and handed number 73 shirt

FCSB have officially completed the signing of Croatian midfielder Karlo Muhar, who previously represented their domestic rivals CFR Cluj. The 30-year-old had already begun training with the Bucharest club, but his unveiling was delayed while he resolved his contractual dispute with his former employers.

Muhar has been handed the number 73 shirt and is regarded as one of FCSB’s most significant additions during the current transfer window. Club owner Gigi Becali has admired him for approximately 5 years and already regards the Croatian as an automatic starter in central midfield.

FCSB confirm Karlo Muhar’s arrival

The Bucharest club announced the transfer through a statement published on social media. Although Muhar had already joined his new team-mates in training, FCSB were unable to unveil him until his dispute with CFR Cluj had been resolved.

“Karlo Muhar is our new player. The 30-year-old Croatian midfielder, who is already training alongside his new team-mates, will wear the number 73 shirt. Our club welcomes him and wishes him every success in the red-and-blue shirt!” FCSB announced.

Muhar unilaterally terminated his contract with CFR Cluj in August because of unpaid wages. He could have joined a foreign club without encountering any significant obstacles, but remaining in Romania required either CFR Cluj’s approval or a favourable ruling from FIFA.

The 3 parties eventually reached an amicable agreement, clearing the midfielder to represent FCSB.

Karlo Muhar gives up a substantial sum to complete FCSB move

Mihai Stoica revealed that Muhar himself proposed the solution that helped accelerate the process. The midfielder agreed to give up part of the money he was claiming from CFR Cluj so that he could begin playing for his new club sooner.

“It is a very pleasant surprise. Very few players choose to give up a significant amount of money to resolve an eligibility issue a few weeks or even a few days sooner. The proposal came from him. Players usually say, ‘It will cost more to sort this out.’ He said, ‘I am no longer interested. I will pay it myself. Deduct it from the money owed to me, just so I can play sooner.’ That is a significant gesture,” Mihai Stoica said.

According to reports published after the transfer was confirmed, Muhar will earn a monthly salary of €20,000 and receive a €250,000 signing-on fee.

Gigi Becali describes Muhar as the strongest midfielder

Becali expressed his delight at the Croatian’s arrival and explained that financial considerations were not his main priority. The FCSB owner believes the team needed a powerful player capable of winning challenges and controlling the central areas of the pitch.

He also claimed that Muhar could have pursued a claim worth approximately €700,000 through FIFA but gave up part of that amount to help secure an agreement. The midfielder is now expected to receive only the outstanding payments owed to him by CFR Cluj.

“He is the strongest midfielder. In my opinion, if you lack strength in midfield, it does not matter how good the rest of your team is. If you cannot control the middle of the pitch, you are finished. That is why I did not take the money into consideration,” Becali said.

Karlo Muhar guaranteed a place in FCSB’s starting line-up

The FCSB owner has already indicated that the new signing will not have to compete for a regular starting position. Muhar is expected to become an essential component of the 4-2-3-1 system being prepared by the Romanian club.

“There is no question about Muhar’s place in the team. I have admired Muhar for 5 years. He is strong. He takes the ball and powers past opponents,” Becali said.

The Croatian is expected to operate in front of the defence alongside either Ofri Arad or João Paulo. Depending on the opposition and the players’ form, FCSB can also call upon Mihai Lixandru, Adrian Șut, Juri Cisotti or Meriton Korenica in central midfield.

Stoica believes Muhar and Arad could develop into an important midfield partnership. The club official compared the potential partnership to several notable FCSB midfield pairings from the past, including Mirel Rădoi and Sorin Paraschiv, Alexandru Bourceanu and Mihai Pintilii, as well as Adrian Șut and Mihai Lixandru.

“We previously had Rădoi and Paraschiv, Bourceanu and Pintilii, then Șut and Lixandru. I remember that 2-2 draw against Dinamo and the commitment they showed whenever they played. I think Ofri Arad and Muhar could become something similar. It is important to have 4 central midfielders whom you can always call upon. With Korenica and Cisotti, we can now say that we have 6,” Stoica explained.

Karlo Muhar speaks for the first time as an FCSB player

FCSB’s latest signing expressed his delight after the negotiations were completed and revealed that he wants to win trophies in the red-and-blue shirt. Muhar believes discipline, physical strength and a winning mentality are his greatest qualities.

“I am very happy to be here. First of all, I am pleased that everything was resolved in the way it should have been. I cannot wait to begin training, play matches, experience the atmosphere and help FCSB achieve their objectives. Everyone knows that FCSB are a big club that always compete for trophies. That is what I want for my career. I want to become a champion and I want to be a winner. That was one of the main reasons why I came here,” Muhar said.

The midfielder added that he was looking forward to exploring Bucharest with his family and developing a close relationship with the supporters. The Croatian describes himself as a positive person who enjoys creating a lively atmosphere in the dressing room and taking on the role of team DJ.

Thierry Henry and Gennaro Gattuso among Muhar’s footballing idols

Despite playing as a defensive midfielder, Muhar began to love football because of former France striker Thierry Henry. The Croatian supported Arsenal as a youngster but also admired Gennaro Gattuso for his aggression and distinctive personality.

“I started playing football because of Thierry Henry. I was an Arsenal fan. I also remember Gattuso. He was very aggressive and had a special aura, while Rodri is one of the leading examples today. I am a positive person. I like to have fun, act as the DJ and create a good atmosphere. I am a simple person,” Muhar explained.

136 appearances for CFR Cluj

Muhar came through Dinamo Zagreb’s academy and has also represented Inter Zaprešić, Lech Poznań, Kayserispor, CSKA Sofia, Al-Orobah and CFR Cluj during his career.

His first spell with the Gruia-based club began in the summer of 2022. After spending 2 seasons at CFR Cluj, the midfielder joined Al-Orobah in a €1.5 million transfer. He subsequently returned to Romania as a free agent.

Muhar made 136 appearances for CFR Cluj across all competitions, scoring 22 goals and providing 12 assists. Of those, 100 appearances, 17 goals and 7 assists came in the Romanian SuperLiga.

The midfielder has played more than 390 competitive matches during his senior career. His honours include the Croatian league title and the Croatian Cup, both of which he won with Dinamo Zagreb in 2018.