Who is Catalin Cirjan - World's Up-and-Coming Footballer?
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| Catalin Cirjan. Photo: Arsenal.com |
Who is Catalin Cirjan?
Catalin Cirjan was born on Dec 1 2002 in Domnesti and his brother is Daniel Cirjan, who is playing for the Concordia Chiajna Club in the right winger position. Catalin is known as the former central midfielder of Romania U-16 and currently playing in the same position in Arsenal U-23 Club.
Catalin Cirjan has impressed since his move from Romania. Cirjan, the Romanian midfielder has had a good season with the Arsenal U-18s. And his impressive performances will earn him a place in the Arsenal U-23 side next season, according to Sports Nova.
Cirjan joined the English club from Romanian outfit Viitorul Domnesti last year and has scored 3 goals and 3 assists in the U-18 Premier League. The Gunners rewarded Cirjan for his fast start with a first professional contract on December 13, the deal signed just days after he became eligible for such a deal on his 17th birthday.
Catalin Cirjan arrives in England ahead of ‘new chapter’ with Arsenal
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| Photo: Arsenal.com |
Cirjan’s move to Arsenal has been one of the worst-kept secrets in youth football. The teenager appeared on Romanian television last summer to talk about the plan for him to sign as soon as he turned 16 in December, which he then did.
The youngster didn’t join up with Arsenal immediately after signing though, remaining in Romania with third-tier senior side Viitorul Domnesti until the end of the season, Daily Cannon cites. Now he’s traveled to England, posting on Instagram about starting a ‘new chapter’ in his life. Arsenal should confirm the move this summer.
Cirjan had a trial with Arsenal last season, visiting the Emirates Stadium, playing with the youth team and even meeting up with former Gunner and fellow Romanian Vlad Dragomir.
Now Cirjan will settle into his new country before joining Arsenal’s 2019/20 scholarship intake along with the likes of Miguel Azeez, Yunus Musah, Hubert Graczyk and Mazeed Ogungbo. Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Kido Taylor-Hart, both of contributed to goals in the 2019 Dallas Cup last month, have also been offered scholarship deals.
Arsenal fans react as Catalin Cirjan signs new deal with Gunners
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| Photo: Daily Cannon |
Arsenal youngster Catalin Cirjan has put pen to paper on his first professional terms at the club after impressing in the Gunners Under-18 side since joining the club in the summer – and Gunners fans have reacted on Twitter.
Cirjan, 17, joined Arsenal in the summer from Romanian side Viitorul Domnesti and has since clocked up eight appearances for Arsenal’s Under-18 side in the youngster's version of the Premier League. He has laid on three assists, as reported by TBR Football.
The Romanian youngster is impressing in the number 10 role under the head of academy coaching Per Mertesacker’s guidance. Arsenal confirmed he had signed his first pro contract on their official website, but they did not determine how long for.
Catalin has enormous competition ahead of him in the Arsenal pecking order. In the senior side, Freddie Ljungberg boasts the likes of Mesut Ozil, Joe Willock and Dani Ceballos, while Emile Smith-Rowe is breaking into the side.
| Tyreece John-Jules is currently impressing in the Under-23 side, but Cirjan’s aim will be to break into that reserve team before the end of the season. It is a tall order, but he is certainly going on the right track to be given a chance with the Under-23’s. His progression and form have certainly been recognized by Arsenal, who have given him the time and space to further his development without any pressure. Arsenal fans have reacted on Twitter to Cirjan’s new deal. |
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