Lincoln City have completed the signing of Romanian defender Andrei Coubiș from U Cluj for a reported £3 million fee. The 22-year-old centre-back posted an emotional farewell message to his former club on social media before joining the Championship side on a five-year deal.

What did Coubiș say in his farewell message?

Coubiș took to Instagram to express his gratitude to U Cluj fans, staff and teammates, calling his time at the club 'an important experience' that he will 'always carry in his heart'. The defender played just half a season for the Romanian side but made an immediate impact, particularly in their 0-0 draw against Dinamo Kiev in the Europa Conference League.

Why did Lincoln City sign Coubiș?

Lincoln's sporting director Jaz George explained that Coubiș's physical attributes and composure on the ball made him the perfect fit for their defensive setup. 'Andrei has top physical qualities, is very aggressive in play, shows calm in possession and fits our profile perfectly,' George said. The Imps were particularly impressed by his performance against Dinamo Kiev, which accelerated their interest in the young defender.

What does this transfer mean for Lincoln City?

Coubiș becomes Lincoln's most expensive signing in history, with a market value of £1.2 million according to Transfermarkt. The Romanian international, who made his senior debut for Romania this summer, is expected to bolster Lincoln's defensive options as they prepare for their first season back in the Championship. His arrival follows a successful loan spell at U Cluj, where he quickly established himself as a key figure in their backline.

What's next for Andrei Coubiș?

The 22-year-old will now focus on adapting to English football and helping Lincoln City establish themselves in the Championship. With his physical presence and technical ability, Coubiș is expected to be a key player for the Imps as they look to build on their recent promotion. His transfer fee and potential make him one of the most exciting young defenders in the league this season.