Universitatea Cluj has signed 32-year-old Cypriot goalkeeper Neofytos Michael from FC Pafos, the club announced on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The announcement was made on the club's official website. Michael, who has been with FC Pafos for the last two years, will replace Lithuanian goalkeeper Edvinas Gertmonas, who transferred to Servette Geneva.

Michael brings substantial experience, having been a starter in six of the eight Champions League main phase matches for Pafos during the 2025-2026 season. The Cypriot goalkeeper began his career transitioning from junior to senior football at Olympiakos Nicosia, although he did not debut there. He spent part of his early career on loan to THOI Lakatamias.

In the summer of 2015, he joined Nea Salamis, where he made 26 appearances until 2017. In 2017, Michael was acquired by APOEL Nicosia and was later loaned to Aris Limassol. His first matches outside Cyprus were with PAS Giannina, where he played 13 matches in the 2018-2019 season.

He was also loaned to Asteras Tripolis from 2019-2020 before returning to Olympiakos Nicosia. During the 2020-2021 season, Michael played 32 matches for Olympiakos Nicosia in the Cypriot first league. APOEL Nicosia used him in 13 matches for the 2021-2022 season, six of which were in the championship play-off where he conceded six goals.

U Cluj turns down €2 million for Jovo Lukic — 'Some players you don't sell'

Fritz faces tough decision on Tomac's government

Michael then spent two seasons at Anorthosis Famagusta, where he played 18 matches and conceded 17 goals. He left APOEL Nicosia in the summer of 2024 to join Pafos. While at Pafos, Michael played 10 matches in his first season and was instrumental in their journey to the Champions League main phase, playing all six preliminary matches and conceding only three goals.

He also played 22 domestic matches, maintaining an average of less than one goal conceded per match. The goalkeeper's achievements include winning the Cypriot championship and the Cyprus Cup, which was secured just this past Friday evening. Michael has also earned 17 caps for the Cyprus national team.

Michael's move to Universitatea Cluj marks a significant addition to the team's roster, especially following the departure of Gertmonas. Universitatea Cluj, a historic club in Romanian football, competes in Liga I and is well-known for its strong local support. Michael's experience and recent successes, including his Champions League performances and national team appearances, are expected to strengthen Universitatea Cluj's defensive lineup.

The next steps for Michael at Universitatea Cluj will involve integrating into the team and preparing for the upcoming Liga I season.