Nana Boateng Joins FC Petrolul Ploiești In Major Transfer

FC Petrolul Ploiești fans have a new reason to cheer as the club officially announced the signing of experienced midfielder Nana Boateng on February 1, 2026. The Ghanaian, whose full name is Bismark Adjei-Boateng, inked a contract valid for one and a half seasons, bringing a wealth of international experience and a trophy-laden résumé to the Superliga side.

Boateng’s arrival marks a significant coup for Petrolul, who have been searching for a midfield anchor capable of dictating play and bringing leadership to the squad. The 31-year-old’s journey through some of Europe’s and Asia’s top leagues is a testament to his adaptability and skill, making him a player to watch as the Romanian league heats up.

The club’s statement was clear and brimming with enthusiasm: “FC Petrolul Ploiești has reached an agreement with Nana Boateng, who has signed a contract valid for one and a half seasons. Champion with CFR Cluj in 2022, Boateng returns to the Superliga after his most recent stint in South Korea with Jeonbuk Hyundai.” That’s a big deal for the "lupii galbeni," as Boateng’s pedigree is hard to match in the current transfer window.

Born in Accra, Ghana, Boateng’s football story began on the bustling pitches of his hometown. His talent caught the eyes of scouts early, and by 2012, he had made the leap to England, joining the illustrious Manchester City academy. While he never donned the City blue in a Premier League fixture, Boateng’s formative years in Manchester set the stage for a career that would span continents and bring silverware at nearly every stop.

Due to work permit issues in the United Kingdom, Boateng was immediately loaned out to Norwegian side Strømsgodset Toppfotball in the Tippeligaen. There, alongside fellow Ghanaian Enock Kwakwa, he debuted on August 12, 2012, in a tough 4-0 loss to Tromsø IL. But Boateng didn’t take long to make his mark. On May 16, 2013, he scored his first and second goals for the club in a memorable clash against Sogndal IL. That season, he played a pivotal role in Strømsgodset’s title-winning campaign, racking up 17 appearances and netting seven goals—a remarkable return for a midfielder.

However, the path was not always smooth. A serious ankle injury during training in September 2013 sidelined Boateng for months, keeping him off the pitch until June 2014. Despite the setback, he returned determined, helping his team secure a fourth-place finish in the 2014 Tippeligaen with 11 appearances and two goals. Manchester City continued to believe in his potential, extending his loan for the entire 2015 season and again for 2016, allowing him to further hone his craft in Norway.

Boateng’s next adventure took him across the Atlantic to Major League Soccer. In January 2017, he signed with Colorado Rapids, where he quickly became a fan favorite. His time in MLS was highlighted by a dramatic stoppage-time winner on August 11, 2018, as Rapids edged out the San Jose Earthquakes 2-1. That goal wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a testament to Boateng’s knack for delivering in clutch moments.

Yet, football’s journey is rarely a straight line. On July 12, 2019, Boateng and Colorado Rapids mutually agreed to terminate his contract so he could “return to Europe to resolve a family matter.” The midfielder’s professionalism and commitment to his family were never in doubt, and soon after, he signed a one-year deal with Kuopion Palloseura (KuPS) in Finland’s Veikkausliiga in December 2019, with an option for a second year.

Boateng’s European tour didn’t stop there. On September 2, 2021, he made a high-profile move to Romanian giants CFR Cluj for an estimated transfer fee of 125,000 euros, according to widely cited sources. His impact was immediate, helping Cluj claim the Liga I title in 2022 and adding further silverware to his growing collection. The midfielder’s versatility and tactical intelligence made him a valuable asset, whether as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box engine.

His next stop was Asia, joining South Korean powerhouse Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors on July 13, 2023, for a reported fee of 2 million euros. There, Boateng continued his winning ways, contributing to both league and cup triumphs. The South Korean stint added another dimension to his game, exposing him to a different footballing culture and tactical approach.

Throughout his career, Boateng has collected an impressive array of honors: the Norwegian league title in 2013, the Romanian championship with CFR Cluj in 2022, the Norwegian cup, the Finnish cup, and both the championship and cup in South Korea. For Petrolul, these aren’t just lines on a résumé—they’re proof that Boateng knows what it takes to win.

“On top of the title won with CFR, the new member of the ‘lupii’ also has in his CV the Norwegian league title, the championship-cup double in South Korea, as well as the Finnish Cup,” the Petrolul staff proudly noted. It’s a résumé that few in the Superliga can rival.

Boateng’s versatility is perhaps his greatest asset. Comfortable as a holding midfielder or pushing forward into attack, his tactical awareness and passing range will be invaluable as Petrolul look to climb the standings. The club’s supporters are eager to see how quickly he can settle in and make an impact—after all, the Superliga is as competitive as ever, and every point counts in the race for European spots.

There’s also a sense of nostalgia and unfinished business about Boateng’s return to Romania. Having tasted success with CFR Cluj, he now has the chance to lead a new project and cement his legacy in the league. His experience in adapting to different playing styles and environments—from the physicality of Norway to the technical demands of South Korea—should serve him well as he integrates into the Petrolul setup.

As the second half of the Superliga season gets underway, all eyes will be on Boateng and his new teammates. Will his arrival spark a surge up the table? Can his leadership and experience inspire the next generation of Petrolul stars? While those questions remain to be answered on the pitch, one thing is certain: the signing of Nana Boateng has injected fresh excitement and optimism into the club and its fanbase.

With Boateng now officially unveiled and ready to don the yellow and blue, anticipation is building for his debut. The midfielder’s journey has been one of resilience, adaptability, and winning mentality—qualities that Petrolul Ploiești will be counting on as they chase their ambitions in the months ahead.

The stage is set for a new chapter in both Boateng’s career and Petrolul’s history. Supporters won’t have to wait long to see if this high-profile signing can deliver the spark that pushes the club to new heights this season.