While Orlando City SC transfer talk has centred around Florinel Coman recently, Sport.Ro linked the Lions to two fellow Romanians Valentin Mihăilă and Nicușor Bancu this week.
If a highly publicised move for Coman fails, Sport.Ro claims Orlando City SC are eyeing an €8 million package deal for the Universitatea Craiova duo.
But who exactly are these plan B targets reportedly in the sights of Luiz Muzzi, Ricardo Moreira and the Orlando City SC Front Office?
Valentin Mihăilă
Valentin Mihăilă (pictured) is a 20-year-old talent currently in his second full season with Universitatea Craiova.
Firstly, as the Sport.Ro article noted, he actually plays in the same left or right wing position as Florinel Coman.
Scoring six goals in 48 first team appearances for The Students, Valentin Mihăilă’s exploits with Romania Under-21’s made headlines.
Scoring a hat-trick against Finland Under-21’s in November 2019, he has five goals in four appearances for that age group.
Before that, he scored six goals in six appearances for Romania’s Under-19 side too.
Right footed, Valentin Mihăilă favours to cut in from the left wing and is clearly a capable goal getter.
Standing at 5 ft 10 in, Valentin Mihăilă hasn’t been short of suitors in his fledgling senior career to date.
Back in December 2019, Universitatea Craiova rejected a €5 million bid from FCSB for Mihăilă.
In other words, it wasn’t nearly enough. Manager at the time Victor Pițurcă even claimed €10 million wouldn’t be enough to buy the player.
In short, you have to wonder whether FCSB were lining up Mihăilă as a replacement for Florinel Coman himself?
Nicușor Bancu
Now 27-year-old, Nicușor Bancu is currently captain of Universitatea Craiova.
Earning 13 senior international caps with Romania, Bancu is primarily a left back who can play at left midfield.
Standing at 6 ft 0 in, Nicușor Bancu is a veteran of over 200 appearances for Universitatea Craiova.
Debuting back in July 2014, this followed separate spells with CSM Slatina and ALRO Slatina.
Scoring 17 league goals for The Students, Italian giants Lazio were linked with Nicușor Bancu back in spring 2019.
Likened to Lazio’s Senad Lulić, Bancu’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths.
In conclusion, there’s logic in a move for Nicușor Bancu.
Above all, João Moutinho is Orlando City SC‘s only out-and-out left back on the roster. Therefore, Bancu’s potential addition makes sense.