During his time with New Stars Bucharest, Andrei has experienced the highs of competitive football, including winning the National Championship. Competing regularly in the U16 age group, despite being younger than many of his peers, has given him valuable match experience and strengthened his mental resilience. His development has also been recognised at national level, with Andrei being scouted for the Romanian National Team project. For a player so young, this was a significant step forward, and it showed that his hard work was being noticed beyond his club environment. 

Alongside his team achievements, Andrei has also received individual awards such as Best Player and Top Goal Scorer. These accolades highlight not only his consistent performances but also his ability to make a decisive impact in matches — whether by creating chances, scoring goals, or contributing defensively. 

It was at UK Football Trials where Andrei took the next big leap. Attending for the second year in a row, he impressed scouts with his energy, technical ability, and passion for the game. The outcome was everything he could have hoped for: interest from two prestigious English academies — Chelsea and Brighton. 

“I was extremely happy and proud that such prestigious clubs recognized my performance and appreciated my hard work, passion, and dedication during my second year at UK Football Trial,” Andrei said. “It has always been my dream to play for an academy in England, so I continue to work hard to improve my techniques and skills.” 

Currently, Andrei is awaiting an invitation to attend an official academy trial, with Chelsea showing strong interest. He and his family have expressed their willingness to relocate to England to make this dream a reality, combining his football journey with education in the UK. 

Reflecting on the UK Football Trials experience, Andrei was clear about the impact it had on him: “Being here for the second year, I can reconfirm that the UK Football Trial is a fantastic experience for any player who wants to showcase their talent to important scouts from England’s academies. It was wonderful to meet so many players from different countries, all united by the same passion for football. The program is very intense, and the coaches were excellent in sharing their expertise to aid our development.” 

One-to-one meetings with dedicated coaches proved especially valuable, but it was the final day, when players competed in matches in front of scouts, that stood out. “The final day with matches in front of the scouts was intense, full of energy, and joyful,” Andrei explained. Those moments under pressure gave him a taste of the demands of professional football — and the confidence to rise to the challenge. 

His advice to other aspiring players is simple: “Anyone who loves playing football and dreams of joining a big academy should definitely try this experience.” 

With Chelsea already in contact and Brighton also watching closely, Andrei’s journey is gathering momentum. For a boy who started out playing in Romania and is now on the radar of some of England’s biggest academies, his story is proof of what can happen when talent, hard work, and opportunity come together.