Valentin Cojocaru

Valentin Alexandru Cojocaru (born 1 October 1995) is a Romanian professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Ekstraklasa club Pogoń Szczecin.

Club career

Steaua București In 2011, Cojocaru was selected for a trial at Liverpool, but he returned to Steaua because the clubs could not agree on a transfer sum. He made his first appearance for Steaua București on 7 May 2013 against Gloria Bistrița, a game won with the score of 1–0. He is the son of former football referee Ispas Cojocaru.

On 1 September 2016, Crotone announced the signing of Cojocaru on loan with a buy-out option.

On 26 January 2017, Cojocaru joined Italian club Frosinone on loan.

Apollon Limassol On 7 September 2017, Apollon Limassol announced the signing of Cojocaru. On 22 January 2018, Apollon Limassol mutually agreed to end player's contract.

Viitorul Constanța On 24 January 2018, Cojocaru joined Liga I side Viitorul Constanța.

On 24 January 2020, Cojocaru was sent on loan to another Liga I club Voluntari until the end of the season with a buy-out option.

Dnipro-1 On 5 July 2021, he joined Dnipro-1.

Loan to Feyenoord In March 2022, he moved on loan to Feyenoord.

Pogoń Szczecin After a year-long stint with Belgian side OH Leuven, Cojocaru moved to Polish Ekstraklasa club Pogoń Szczecin on a season-long loan on 4 September 2023. After establishing himself as the first-choice goalkeeper, his move was made permanent on 5 April 2024, two days after reaching the Polish Cup final with Pogoń.

International career In November 2016, Cojocaru received his first call-up to the senior Romania squad for matches against Poland and Russia.

Career statistics

Honours Steaua București Liga I: 2012–13, 2014–15 Cupa României: 2014–15 Supercupa României: 2013 Cupa Ligii: 2014–15, 2015–16

Viitorul Constanța Cupa României: 2018–19 Supercupa României: 2019

Feyenoord UEFA Europa Conference League runner-up: 2021–22

Pogoń Szczecin Polish Cup runner-up: 2023–24, 2024–25