Dundee United has secured the signing of left-back Kevin Ciubotaru, who made his debut for Romania last year. Ciubotaru joins the club after leaving Hermannstadt in Romania’s top division.

The 22-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract with the Scottish Premiership side, which includes an option for an additional year.

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His signing comes amid ongoing rumors regarding the potential sale of Will Ferry.

Born in Italy, Ciubotaru has prior experience in Scottish football, having arrived at Rangers’ academy in 2022 following stints with Rapid Vienna and Parma.

In a statement on United’s website, Ciubotaru expressed his enthusiasm: “As soon as I heard of the interest, it was a move I wanted to make. I’ve lived in Scotland before and having the opportunity to come to this massive club was one I couldn’t pass up.”

Ciubotaru initially signed a three-year contract with Hermannstadt after his time at Ibrox. Following a loan spell at Liga 2 side Unirea Ungheni, he made 39 first-team appearances for Hermannstadt before the team was relegated, finishing 14th among 16 teams in the Superliga.

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He also earned his first senior cap for Romania as a half-time substitute in a 2-1 victory over Moldova in Bucharest last October.

United manager Jim Goodwin remarked: “He’s an exciting young full-back who will add real quality to our defensive options and I’m thrilled he’s chosen to join us. He had a real breakthrough season last campaign and played close to 40 games in the Romanian top flight whilst also earning his first senior cap, so we feel he’s joining the group with valuable experience in senior football and a real desire to improve and learn every day which is an important attribute.”

Dundee United have signed Kevin Ciubotaru, who made his Romania debut last year, after the left-back left Hermannstadt in his homeland’s top flight.

The 22-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Scottish Premiership club, who hold an option of a further year.

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His arrival comes amid speculation about the sale of Will Ferry.

Born in Italy, Ciubotaru is no stranger to Scottish football having joined Rangers’ academy in 2022 after spells with Rapid Vienna and Parma.

And he told United’s website: “As soon as I heard of the interest, it was a move I wanted to make.

“I’ve lived in Scotland before and having the opportunity to come to this massive club was one I couldn’t pass up.”

Ciubotaru signed a three-year contract with Hermannstadt after a year at Ibrox and, following a spell on loan to Liga 2 side Unirea Ungheni, he went on to make 39 first-team appearances for his parent club before they were relegated when finishing 14th of the 16 Superliga sides.

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He also made his Romania debut as a half-time substitute in a 2-1 win over Moldova in Bucharest in October.

United manager Jim Goodwin added: “He’s an exciting young full-back who will add real quality to our defensive options and I’m thrilled he’s chosen to join us.

“He had a real breakthrough season last campaign and played close to 40 games in the Romanian top flight whilst also earning his first senior cap, so we feel he’s joining the group with valuable experience in senior football and a real desire to improve and learn every day which is an important attribute.”