Drăguș began his senior career at Viitorul Constanța, before moving abroad to Standard Liège in 2019. After five years under contract at the Belgian club, which included several loan spells in Italy and Turkey, he transferred to Trabzonspor in 2024.
Internationally, Drăguș recorded his full debut for Romania in September 2018, in a 2–2 draw with Serbia. He represented his country in the UEFA Euro 2024, achieving first place in their group and advancing to the round of 16.
On 28 November 2017, Drăguș scored his first career goal in a 2–3 away defeat to Botoșani in the national cup. He netted his first Europa League goal on 12 July 2018, opening a 2–0 away victory over Racing FC in the first qualifying round.[3] On the 26th that month, he scored both goals in a 2–2 second qualifying round draw with Vitesse,[4] and one week later scored again in a 1–3 away loss at the GelreDome.[5]
Drăguș became a regular starter at Viitorul Constanța in the 2018–19 season, during which he amassed 31 matches and seven goals in the league championship.
Standard Liège
On 7 August 2019, Drăguș joined Belgian team Standard Liège in a deal reportedly worth €2 million plus 30% interest on a future transfer.[6][7] He recorded his debut for Les Rouches on 1 September 2019, in a 0–1 loss to rivals Anderlecht at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
On 15 September 2020, Drăguș agreed to a one-season loan with an option to buy at Crotone.[8] He made his Serie A debut five days later, in a 4–1 defeat to Genoa. Drăguș made a total of nine appearances during his time in Italy, starting only once. Upon his return to Liège, he netted his first goal for Standard in a 5–2 loss to Antwerp on 8 August 2021.
On 16 January 2022, Drăguș scored an 89th-minute equaliser in a 1–1 draw at Anderlecht.[9] He achieved his highest goal tally at Standard in the 2021–22 campaign, amassing six goals from 28 league appearances. Drăguș moved on loan with an option to buy to Serie B club Genoa on 26 January 2023, but appeared sparringly during his five months at the club.[10]
On 25 June 2024, Turkish side Trabzonspor announced the signing of Drăguș for a rumoured transfer fee of €1.7 million.[15] He registered his debut on 25 July, in a 2–0 away win over Ružomberok in the Europa League second qualifying round,[16] and one week later scored the only goal of the second leg.[17]
Drăguș scored his first senior international goal on 17 November 2022, in a 1–2 friendly loss to Slovenia at Cluj Arena.[19] He netted again three days later, in a 5–0 away thrashing of Moldova.
On 7 June 2024, Drăguș was named in Romania's squad for Euro 2024.[20] Ten days later, he scored a goal in a 3–0 win over Ukraine in the opening group match, aiding to his country's first victory in the competition in 24 years.[21] He started in all four games of the tournament, as Romania won its group but was eliminated by the Netherlands in the round of 16.[22]
Style of play
Drăguș is a dynamic and versatile forward, beginning his career as a winger but also performing proficiently as a main striker.[14][23] According to his Trabzonspor coach Şenol Güneş, he possesses a combination of talent, physical strength, and speed, which makes him a constant threat to opposing defences. Güneș also noted that while Drăguș excels in one-on-one situations and frequently finds himself in goalscoring opportunities, his finishing can be inconsistent.[24]
Personal life
Drăguș's father, Mihai, was also a professional footballer who played in South Korea and Russia, as well as in his home country.[25]
Drăguș and his wife Vanessa have two children together. In 2021, following the birth of their first daughter, he did not invite his parents to attend her baptism.[26][27]
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