Harambee Stars midfielder handed new long term deal in Romania
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 28.06.26. | 13:24
In his first season in Romania, Odada featured in 22 competitive matches, amassing 1,405 minutes while contributing two goals and one assist as UTA Arad successfully retained their place in the Romanian top flight
Harambee Stars midfielder Richard Odada has been rewarded for an impressive debut campaign in Romania after signing a contract extension with top-flight side UTA Arad that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028.
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UTA Arad confirmed the new agreement in a statement released on its official social media channels.
"Our club has reached an agreement with Kenyan international Richard Odada to extend the contract until the summer of 2028.
The 25-year-old midfielder will continue in the red and white shirt following the performances appreciated from the previous season. We wish him good luck and many more achievements with UTA."
The former AFC Leopards midfielder joined UTA Arad in October 2025 and had to wait for his debut, eventually making his first appearance on November 30 in a 2-1 away victory over Hermannstadt.
From then on, the Kenyan established himself as a regular in midfield, becoming one of the club's standout performers.
In his first season in Romania, Odada featured in 22 competitive matches, amassing 1,405 minutes while contributing two goals and one assist as UTA Arad successfully retained their place in the Romanian top flight.
His influence was particularly evident during the relegation play-offs, where victories over FC Botoșani and Unirea Slobozia secured the club's survival.
The consistent displays under head coach Adrian Mihalcea convinced the club to hand the 25-year-old a new long-term contract
The extension marks a significant turnaround in Odada's career after a difficult spell following his departure from MLS side Philadelphia Union in 2023.
Limited first-team opportunities in the United States saw the midfielder join Danish outfit Aalborg BK on loan in August 2023, where he impressed with four goals in 22 appearances.
Despite his performances, Aalborg opted not to make the move permanent, prompting another switch, this time to Scottish Premiership side Dundee United.
However, regular football again proved elusive, with Odada making just 13 appearances before securing a loan move to Serbian club OFK Beograd.
He featured only six times before once again seeking a fresh start.
UTA Arad took a chance on the Kenyan international, and that decision has paid off handsomely.
The former Red Star Belgrade midfielder quickly earned the trust of Mihalcea, cemented his place in the starting XI, and has now been rewarded with a contract that secures his future at the club for the next two years.