The Romanian heavyweights of CFR Cluj have announced the capturing of the 34-year-old experienced defender of Ghanaian descent in this winter transfer window, according to kickgh.com.
Ghanaian right-back Christopher Braun has completed his transfer move to Romanian Liga l side CFR Cluj in an undisclosed period of contract, the club have confirmed.
The former Hamburg SV youth man is staging a return to the Ceferiștii from fellow top-flight rivals FC Rapid for the second half of the current campaign.
An official statement confirming the signing of the former FC St. Pauli U19 star reads via the club’s official website: ”CFR 1907 Cluj and FC Rapid have reached an agreement for the permanent transfer of Christopher Braun to our team! So, starting today, Chris is part of the CFR family again!
”Braun also wore our team’s jersey in the 2022/2023 season, when he made 44 appearances and played an important role in our European run that season. In the last 2 and a half seasons, he played for Rapid, a team for which he collected 78 matches. Chris, we wish you much success and many more achievements in our team’s jersey!”
The signing of the experienced defender by the CFR Cluj is set to inject a new form of energy in the defensive department of the Romanian gaffer given his experience in the top-flight contest.
Born and raised to Ghanaian parents in Germany, the Hamburg-native is yet to figure for either Germany or Ghana at the international level.
According to Digi Sport, Cristopher Braun’s departure from Rapid comes after a period where he saw reduced playing time under coach Costel Gâlcă. Despite having been one of the team’s captains and a fan favorite for his relentless work rate, the German defender was allowed to leave on a permanent deal.
In his farewell message, Cristopher Braun expressed deep gratitude to the Rapid supporters: “It is hard to put into words what this journey has meant to me. I will remain a fierce supporter, wishing the club success and God’s blessings. Once Rapid, always Rapid!”
Why the Return Makes Sense for CFR
CFR Cluj’s decision to bring Braun back is seen as a strategic move to add “championship DNA” and immediate reliability to a squad that has seen several exits this winter. Gazeta Sporturilor reports that coach Daniel Pancu was a key advocate for the transfer, valuing Braun’s versatility and physical data, which remains elite even at 34.
Key Statistics of the Move:
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Transfer Type: Permanent transfer (reportedly free or for a nominal fee).
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Previous Stint at CFR: 44 appearances during the 2022/2023 season.
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Rapid Legacy: 79 matches, 2 goals, and multiple appearances as captain.
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Current Physical Status: Cristopher Braun declared himself “100% fit and ready to help immediately.”
“The Decision Was Easy”
In his first interview upon returning to the “Dr. Constantin Rădulescu” Stadium, Cristopher Braun admitted that the choice to return to Cluj-Napoca was a simple one. “I felt happy that I am still appreciated and respected by a club like CFR. The decision to come back was very easy,” Cristopher Braun told Antena Sport.
The veteran defender joins a revamped CFR Cluj side that recently parted ways with several starters, including Louis Munteanu, Lindon Emerllahu and Otto Hindrich, as part of a mid-season squad rebalancing. Cristopher Braun’s primary objective is clear: securing a play-off spot for the “Railwaymen” and stabilizing a defense that has lacked consistency in the first half of the season.
