Raja Athletic Club is preparing to finalize a key defensive signing by contracting the Romanian-Portuguese defender Marian Hoga, coming from the Romanian club Cluj. Negotiations have reached their final stages, and the green fans are eagerly awaiting the official announcement of this veteran player’s joining to reinforce the team’s backline during the current summer transfer window.
Press reports indicate that Raja’s management has reached a preliminary agreement with Cluj regarding the deal’s value, expected to be around 350,000 euros. This development comes after tensions between Marian Hoga and his Romanian club coach, prompting him to welcome the idea of a change of environment and seeking a new challenge in his football career.
Raja’s interest in signing Hoga comes as part of the club’s efforts to strengthen the central defense position, especially after the contract of player Abdullah Khafifi ended, and given the possible departure of captain Badr Banoun. This has pushed the management to look for alternative options capable of filling the anticipated gap in this vital position to ensure defensive stability before the start of the new football season.
Marian Hoga, 27 years old, possesses extensive experience gained from his stints in various European leagues, starting from the Belenenses academy in Portugal, through Denmark, Romania, and Poland. The player is distinguished by his ability to play with his left foot, providing the team with additional tactical solutions and diversity in building play from the back. This choice reflects the trust placed by the Portuguese sporting director Matias Rogerio in his compatriot, aiming to build a more balanced and competitive team.
Hoga is expected to arrive in Morocco in the next few hours to complete the final procedures related to his transfer, including medical examinations and contract signing. It is noteworthy that this possible deal comes after Raja dropped the signing of Nabil Al-Alawi, making Marian Hoga the most prominent choice to strengthen the defense line of the green club.
