Olimpiu Moruțan Explained

Olimpiu Moruțan
Full Name:Olimpiu Vasile Moruțan
Birth Date:25 April 1999
Birth Place:Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Height:1.72 m
Position:Attacking midfielder, winger
Currentclub:Galatasaray
Youthyears1:2008–2015
Youthclubs1:Universitatea Cluj
Years1:2015–2016
Clubs1:Universitatea Cluj
Caps1:15
Goals1:1
Years2:2016–2018
Clubs2:Botoșani
Caps2:55
Goals2:2
Years3:2018–2021
Clubs3:FCSB
Caps3:90
Goals3:12
Years4:2021–
Clubs4:Galatasaray
Caps4:26
Goals4:3
Years5:2022–2023
Clubs5:→ Pisa (loan)
Caps5:35
Goals5:6
Years7:2023–
Clubs7:Ankaragücü
Caps7:30
Goals7:2
Nationalyears1:2015–2017
Nationalteam1:Romania U17
Nationalcaps1:4
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2017–2018
Nationalteam2:Romania U19
Nationalcaps2:10
Nationalgoals2:5
Nationalyears3:2017–2021
Nationalteam3:Romania U21
Nationalcaps3:16
Nationalgoals3:1
Nationalyears4:2021–
Nationalteam4:Romania
Nationalcaps4:15
Nationalgoals4:1
Club-Update:19 April 2024
Nationalteam-Update:26 March 2024

Olimpiu Vasile Moruțan (in Romanian; Moldavian; Moldovan pronounced as /oˈlimpju vaˈsile moruˈt͡san/; born 25 April 1999) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or a winger for TFF First League club Ankaragücü and the Romania national team.

A youth exponent of Universitatea Cluj, he recorded his debut for the seniors at the start of 2016. Moruțan went on to amass over 140 appearances in the top tier for Botoșani and FCSB combined in the following seasons, before moving abroad at age 22 to sign for Galatasaray in Turkey.

Internationally, Moruțan represented Romania under-21 at the 2021 UEFA European Championship. He then made his full debut for the country in October that year, in a 1–0 victory over Armenia.

Club career

Early career

Born in Cluj-Napoca and raised in Cătina, Moruțan joined the academy of Universitatea Cluj in 2008.[1] At age 16, he played his first senior match for U Cluj in a 0–0 Liga II draw with Mioveni on 27 February 2016.[2] On 16 April, he scored in a 1–3 away loss to Olimpia Satu Mare.[3]

Moruțan moved to Botoșani in August 2016,[4] making his Liga I debut on 15 October by coming on as a 74th-minute substitute in a 1–2 defeat at Pandurii Târgu Jiu.[5] During early 2017, it was reported that FCSB, Atalanta and PSV Eindhoven were interested in acquiring him.[6] [7] [8] Moruțan scored his first goal for the club—and in the top division—on 25 September 2017, in a 1–0 win over defending champions Viitorul Constanța.[9]

FCSB

On 21 December 2017, FCSB agreed a deal in advance for the signing of Moruțan on a five-year contract from the start of the 2018–19 season.[10] [11] They reportedly paid a €700,000 transfer fee, while Botoșani retained 20% interest.[12] [13] [14]

Moruțan made his debut on 21 July 2018, in a 0–1 Liga I defeat to Astra Giurgiu.[15] Four days later, he played in his first European game, a 2–0 away success over Rudar Velenje in the UEFA Europa League second qualifying round.[16] In the second leg in Bucharest on 2 August, he netted a goal after dribbling past several opponents and offered an assist as his team won 4–0,[17] which earned him praise from owner George Becali.[18] His first league goal came on 5 August, scoring the last in a 4–0 home win over Politehnica Iași.[19] On 28 September, it was revealed that FCSB in truth paid €1 million for the player and that it recently acquired another 10% of the economic rights for €400,000.[20]

Moruțan amassed 34 games in all competitions during his first year with the capital-based club, but started the majority of them on the bench. In the 2019–20 campaign he had poorer performances, which led Becali to criticise him heavily in the media.[21] [22] During mid-2020, Moruțan began to cement his place in the starting lineup, and in October scored one each in the successive 2–0 and 5–0 wins over Academica Clinceni and Hermannstadt, respectively.[23] [24]

On 13 March 2021, his headed goal helped to a 1–0 away defeat of UTA Arad,[25] and six days later he netted in a 3–0 victory against title contenders CFR Cluj.[26] FCSB ultimately lost the title as well as the postponed 2020 Supercupa României to the latter opponent, but Moruțan rose to prominence individually after totalling eight goals and eleven assists in the league. After an unsuccessful start to the 2021–22 season, the team dismissed its coach and he was again among the players targeted by the owner's criticism.[27]

Galatasaray

On 23 August 2021, following protracted negotiations,[28] the owner of FCSB announced that he accepted an offer worth €4.2 million plus €1.5 million in bonuses from Galatasaray for the transfer of Moruțan.[29] Two days later, the Turkish club officially confirmed the signing of a five-year contract, but only reported a €3.5 million fee without mentioning add-ons.[30]

Moruțan made his debut on the 29th that month in a 2–2 Süper Lig draw at Kasımpaşa, in which he assisted the opener of compatriot Alexandru Cicâldău and contributed to the second goal.[31] [32] On 26 September, he scored in a 2–1 success over Göztepe,[33] and on 22 October provided an assist in a 1–0 victory over Lokomotiv Moscow in the Europa League group stage.[34]

Loan to Pisa

On 4 August 2022, Serie B team Pisa paid €150,000 to loan Moruțan for one season. The Italian side had the option to sign him permanently for €5.5 million, and the full transfer would have become mandatory depending on performance clauses.[35] [36] Moruțan made his league debut on 13 August, providing two assists in a 3–4 loss to Cittadella, and the following fixture converted a penalty in a 2–2 draw with Como.[37]

Ankaragücü

On 20 August 2023, Moruțan signed a three-year contract with the option of another year with fellow Süper Lig team Ankaragücü for an initial €3 million transfer fee.[38] Galatasaray retained 50% interest on a possible future sale, but not less than another €3 million, and the percentage would be halved in case the specified fee is paid before the end of the season. The contract also included a €3 million buyback clause.[39]

International career

Youth

Moruțan was selected by head coach Adrian Mutu for the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, playing in all three matches against the Netherlands, Hungary, and Germany. He started in the 1–1 draw and the 2–1 victory against the former two, respectively, and entered the field in the second half of the goalless draw with the latter as Romania finished third in its group.[40] [41]

Senior

Moruțan earned his first cap for the full side on 11 October 2021, coming on for goal scorer Alexandru Mitriță in a 1–0 success over Armenia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[42] He scored his first goal for the nation by opening the scoring in a 5–0 friendly win over Moldova, on 20 November 2022.[43]

The following year, Moruțan contributed with nine appearances in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, of which four as a starter, as Romania won its group undefeated.[44]

Style of play

Moruțan is capable of playing in several advanced midfield positions, and during his time at Botoșani was regarded by former international Dan Petrescu as Romania's future number 10.[45]

Career statistics

Club

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupContinentalOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Universitatea Cluj2015–16Liga II15100——151
Botoșani2016–17Liga I19000——190
2017–18Liga I36240——402
Total55240——59!2
FCSB2018–19Liga I2722051—343
2019–20Liga I2515100—302
2020–21Liga I338002010368
2021–22Liga I5100200071
Total901271911010714
Galatasaray2021–22Süper Lig2631070—343
Pisa (loan)2022–23Serie B35610——366
Ankaragücü2023–24Süper Lig30252——354
Career total251261831611028630

International

[46]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
Romania
202130
202221
202390
202410
Total151

Scores and results list Romania's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Moruțan goal.[46]

Honours

FCSB

2019–20

Individual

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Reportaj acasă la bunicii lui "Bambi" Olimpiu Moruțan, noul jucător al lui Galatasaray! "Mamă cum alerga oile bunicului!" Exclusiv. Report at the home of Olimpiu "Bambi" Moruțan's grandparents, the new player of Galatasaray! "The way he chased grandfather's sheep!" Exclusive. Fanatik.ro. ro. 25 August 2021. 28 August 2021.
  2. Web site: "U" Cluj a remizat cu CS Mioveni, scor 0–0, în prima etapă din 2016. „U” Cluj draw with CS Mioveni, score 0–0, in the first game of 2016. Monitorul de Cluj. ro. 27 February 2017. 22 December 2017.
  3. Web site: Gol magnific marcat de Moruțan la Satu-Mare. Amazing goal scored by Moruțan at Satu Mare. Numai U. ro. 17 April 2016. 22 December 2017.
  4. Web site: Olimpiu Morutan a semnat cu FC Botosani. "Va fi al doilea Hagi", spune Leo Grozavu. Olimpiu Moruțan signed for FC Botoșani "He will be the second Hagi", says Leo Grozavu. Botoșani Necenzurat. ro. 12 August 2016.
  5. Web site: Pandurii – FC Botoșani 2–1. Gorjenii se impun și urcă pe loc de play-off. Pandurii – FC Botoșani 2–1. Gorjenii take it and reach play-off zone. Digi Sport. ro. 15 October 2016. 27 December 2017.
  6. Web site: Oficialii echipei confirmă: "Am discutat cu Gigi Becali. Doar Steaua și-l poate permite". The club officials confirm: "We talked with Gigi Becali. Only Steaua can afford him". Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 6 April 2017. 8 April 2017.
  7. Web site: Un club din Liga 1 ar putea da lovitura: "PSV şi-a trimis reprezentanţii în România!". A Liga 1 club could hit the jackpot: "PSV sent its scouts to Romania!". ProSport. ro. 7 April 2017. 8 April 2017.
  8. Web site: Dorit de FCSB, Moruțan a intrat și în atenția unei echipe din Serie A! Ce ofertă au făcut italienii. Wanted by FCSB, Moruțan also sparkled interest from a Serie A team! The offer made by the Italians. Digi Sport. ro. 7 April 2017. 8 April 2017.
  9. Web site: Moruțan confirmă forma bună! Gol decisiv în victoria lui Botoșani cu Viitorul lui Hagi, 1–0. Moruțan confirms his good form! Decisive goal in Botoșani's victory against Hagi's Viitorul, 1–0. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 25 September 2017. 23 October 2017.
  10. Web site: Bine ai venit, Olimpiu Morutan!. Welcome, Olimpiu Moruțan!. FC Steaua București. ro. 21 December 2017. 22 December 2017.
  11. Web site: EXCLUSIV Moruțan a semnat cu FCSB! Prima imagine cu mijlocașul de la Botoșani în tricoul roș-albastru. EXCLUSIVE Moruțan signed for FCSB! The first photograph of the Botoșani midfielder in the red and blue kit. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 21 December 2017. 21 December 2017.
  12. Web site: Olimpiu Moruțan e jucătorul FCSB-ului! Detaliile contractului şi reacţia lui Becali: "I-am urat 'Sărbători fericite' şi i-am spus că ne vedem anul viitor". Olimpiu Moruțan is FCSB's player! The details of the contract and Becali's reaction: "I wished him 'Happy holidays' and told him we'll see each other next year!". ProSport. ro. 21 December 2017. 21 December 2017.
  13. Web site: Olimpiu Morutan a semnat cu FCSB – Clauza de reziliere de 70 de milioane de euro. Olimpiu Moruțan signed with FCSB – Release clause of 70 million euros. Hotnews.ro. ro. 21 December 2017. 28 December 2017.
  14. Web site: Cum a încercat Şahtior să-l "deturneze" pe Moruţan şi de ce a ales-o jucătorul pe FCSB. How Shakhtar tried to "hijack" Moruţan and why he chose FCSB. Digi Sport. ro. 22 December 2017. 22 December 2017.
  15. Web site: "Aveţi grijă cu el, e fantastic!" VIDEO | Singurul remarcat al FCSB după o seară neagră. Omul propus la naţională după 45 de minute. "Be careful with him, he's fantastic!" VIDEO | The only noted player of FCSB after a dark evening. The man proposed to the national team after 45 minutes. Telekom Sport. ro. 22 July 2018. 3 August 2018.
  16. Web site: Rudar – FCSB 0-2. Calificarea e o formalitate pentru roş-albaştri. Man şi Teixeira au marcat. Tănase, cu ratările. Rudar – FCSB 0-2. The qualification is a formality for the Roș-albaștrii. Man and Teixeira scored. Tănase, with the misses. DigiSport. ro. 26 July 2018. 3 August 2018.
  17. Web site: Europa League: FCSB - Rudar 4-0 / Calificare lejeră pentru roș-albaștri - Duel cu Hajduk Split în turul trei preliminar. Europa League: FCSB - Rudar 4-0 / Effortless qualification for the Roș-albaștrii - Confrontation with Hajduk Split in the third qualifying round. Hotnews.ro. ro. 2 August 2018. 3 August 2018.
  18. Web site: Gigi Becali îl laudă pe Moruţan: "Driblează mai bine ca Hagi". Gigi Becali praises Moruțan: "He dribbles better than Hagi". Fanatik.ro. ro. 3 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  19. Web site: FCSB - Poli Iaşi 4-0. Vicecampioana a defilat pe Arena Naţională. Gnohere a reuşit o dublă, Bălaşa i-a dat emoţii lui Dică. FCSB - Poli Iași 4–0. The vice-champion marched victoriously on the National Arena. Gnohéré scored a double, Bălașa made Dică nervous. ProSport. ro. 5 August 2018. 6 August 2018.
  20. Web site: "Am dat azi pe el 4 milioane de euro!" Anunțul făcut de Becali la miezul nopții. "I paid 4 million euros for him today!" The announcement made by Becali in the middle of the night. Digi Sport. ro. 28 September 2018.
  21. Web site: Impresarul lui Olimpiu Moruțan îl apără pe fotbalistul criticat de Becali: "Vreau să lămuresc toată nebunia asta. Are mașina de la un dealer". Olimpiu Moruțan's agent defends the footballer criticized by Becali: "I want to make things clear. He got the car from a dealership". Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 5 February 2020. 9 April 2021.
  22. Web site: Avertisment pentru Olimpiu Moruţan! Derapaj după ce Gigi Becali l-a criticat: "Îl plesneşti. Nu mai face a doua oară". A warning for Olimpiu Moruţan! Tripping after Gigi Becali criticized him: "You slap him. He won't do it a second time". Telekom Sport. ro. 13 April 2020. 9 April 2021.
  23. Web site: Academica Clinceni - FCSB 0-2. VIDEO+FOTO Becali își freacă palmele! "Perlele" Man și Moruțan l-au salvat, cu două execuții geniale. Academica Clinceni - FCSB 0–2. VIDEO+PHOTO Becali is full of joy! The "jewels" Man and Moruțan saved him, with two exceptional executions!. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 19 October 2020. 9 April 2021.
  24. Web site: FCSB – Hermannstadt 5-0, VIDEO | Roș-albaștrii au umilit o echipă fără vlagă într-un meci în care doar cine n-a vrut n-a marcat! Chiar și Buș a înscris. FCSB – Hermannstadt 5–0, VIDEO | The Red-Blues humiliated a team without strength in a match in which everybody who wanted scored! Even Buș scored. ProSport. ro. 26 October 2020. 9 April 2021.
  25. Web site: Moruțan s-a "zăpăcit" după ce a semnat victoria lui FCSB la Arad! A uitat când a mai dat gol cu capul. Moruţan was "distraught" after signing FCSB's victory in Arad! He forgot when the last time he scored a header. Digi Sport. ro. 13 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  26. Web site: "Am arătat de la început ca o campioană". Olimpiu Moruțan are planuri mari la naționala U21, după ce a bătut CFR Cluj. "We looked like a champion from the beginning." Olimpiu Moruțan has big plans at the U21 national team, after defeating CFR Cluj. Digi Sport. ro. 19 March 2021. 9 April 2021.
  27. Web site: Olimpiu Moruțan, umilit în direct: "Ce cauți la FCSB? Credeam că iau bani mulți, dar nu face nici 200.000 euro!" + Motivul halucinant invocat pentru regres. Olimpiu Moruțan, humiliated on live TV: "What are you doing at FCSB? I thought he would bring me a lot of money, but he is not even worth 200,000 euros!" + The unbelievable reason invoked for his regress. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 16 July 2021. 29 August 2021.
  28. Web site: Gigi Becali i-a enervat pe turci » Oficialii lui Galatasaray au luat foc după ce patronul FCSB a anunțat transferul lui Moruțan. Gigi Becali annoyed the Turks » The Galatasaray officials caught on fire after the FCSB owner announced Moruțan's transfer. Gazeta Sporturilor. ro. 1 August 2021. 24 August 2021.
  29. Web site: Gigi Becali a acceptat! "Da, l-am vândut pe Moruțan la Galata!". Câți bani va încasa FCSB. Gigi Becali has accepted! "Yes, I sold Moruțan to Galata!" How much money will FCSB receive. Digi Sport. ro. 23 August 2021. 24 August 2021.
  30. Web site: Olimpiu Vasile Moruţan Galatasaray'da!. Olimpiu Vasile Moruțan is at Galatasaray. Galatasaray S.K.. tr. 25 August 2021. 25 August 2021.
  31. Web site: Kasimpasa - Galatasaray 2-2. Debut excelent pentru Moruțan: assist pentru Cicâldău și contribuție la al doilea gol. Kasımpaşa - Galatasaray 2–2. Excellent debut for Moruțan: assist for Cicâldău and contribution in the second goal. Digi Sport. ro. 29 August 2021.
  32. Web site: ÖZET | Kasımpaşa-Galatasaray maç sonucu: 2-2. SUMMARY | Kasımpaşa-Galatasaray match result: 2-2. Fanatik. tr. 29 August 2021. 29 August 2021.
  33. Web site: Cuvântul prin care Fatih Terim a descris euro-golul marcat de Olimpiu Moruțan în Galatasaray - Goztepe. The word with which Fatih Terim described the Euro-goal scored by Olimpiu Moruțan in Galatasaray - Göztepe. Digi Sport. ro. 27 September 2021. 26 October 2021.
  34. Web site: Olimpiu Moruțan, erou pentru Galatasaray în meciul cu Lokomotiv Moscova! S-a răzbunat că a fost rezervă! Pasă de gol superbă reușită de fostul jucător de la FCSB. Olimpiu Moruțan, hero for Galatasaray in the match against Lokomotiv Moscow! He took his revenge for being benched! Wonderful assist provided by the former FCSB player. ProSport. ro. 22 October 2021. 26 October 2021.
  35. Web site: Olimpiu Morutan è Nerazzurro!. Moruțan is Black and Blue!. Pisa S.C.. 4 August 2022. 5 August 2022.
  36. Web site: Profesyonel Futbolcu Olimpiu Vasile Moruţan'ın Geçici Transferi Hakkında. About the Temporary Transfer of Professional Footballer Olimpiu Vasile Moruțan. Galatasaray S.K.. 4 August 2022. 5 August 2022.
  37. Web site: Olimpiu Moruțan a marcat primul său gol în tricoul lui Pisa. Olimpiu Moruțan scored his first goal in Pisa's shirt. Digi Sport. ro. 21 August 2022. 23 August 2022.
  38. Web site: Olimpiu Vasile Morutan Ankaragücü’müzde!. MKE Ankaragücü Spor Kulübü. tr. 20 August 2023. 20 August 2023.
  39. Web site: Profesyonel futbolcumuz Olimpiu Vasile Morutan’ın transferi hakkında. About the transfer of our professional football player Olimpiu Vasile Moruțan. Galatasaray S.K.. tr. 20 August 2023. 20 August 2023.
  40. Web site: Prima reacție a lui Adi Mutu, după eliminarea de la EURO 2021: "Băieții trebuie felicitați". Cum a explicat schimbările. Adi Mutu's first reaction, after the elimination from EURO 2021: "The boys must be congratulated". How he explained the changes. Digi Sport. ro. 30 March 2021. 13 April 2021.
  41. Web site: Moruțan și Petre, taxați dur după EURO 2021: "I s-a urcat la cap că e fotbalist. Pe el îl bagi în teren dacă nu vrei să dai gol". Moruțan and Petre, criticized after EURO 2021: "It occurred to him that he was a football player. You have to put him on the field if you don't want to score.". Realitatea Sportivă. ro. 31 March 2021. 13 April 2021.
  42. Web site: Evoluțiile solide de la Galatasaray au fost răsplătite! Moruțan a debutat pentru echipa națională. The solid display for Galatasaray has been rewarded! Moruțan made his debut for the national team. Sport.ro. ro. 11 October 2021. 26 October 2021.
  43. Web site: Moruțan, gol "brazilian"! Cum a înscris primul gol la națională fotbalistul de la Pisa. Moruțan, "Brazilian" goal! How the Pisa footballer scored his first goal for the national team. Sport.ro. ro. 20 November 2022. 26 March 2023.
  44. Web site: VICTORIE cu Elveția și mergem la EURO 2024 de pe primul loc în grupă!. WIN against Switzerland and we go to EURO 2024 from first place in the group!. Romanian Football Federation. ro. 21 November 2023. 26 November 2023.
  45. Web site: CFR şi FCSB se bat pe un jucător! "Va fi numărul 10 al naţionalei!". CFR and FCSB are fighting for a player! "He will be the national team's number 10!". Fanatik.ro. ro. 16 October 2017. 22 December 2017.
  46. Web site: Olimpiu Moruțan. European Football. 11 October 2021.
  47. Web site: LPF a ales "echipa ideală" a sezonului din Liga 1! Care echipă a oferit cei mai mulți jucători. LPF has chosen the "ideal team" of the Liga 1 season! Which team offers the most players. Digi Sport. ro. 4 June 2021. 4 June 2021.

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