Richard Odada, the 24-year-old defensive midfielder from Kenya, has made a move to Romanian top-flight club UTA Arad, marking a fresh chapter in his football career. The deal runs until the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, with an option for an additional year, signaling a potential long-term commitment for the Kenyan international.
Standing tall at 1.90 meters, Odada has a diverse footballing background, having played in various leagues across Europe and North America. His career journey began in 2019 after leaving AFC Leopards, when he signed for Serbian giants Red Star Belgrade. This was the start of his European adventure, which included stints with Grafičar Beograd and Metalac Gornji Milanovac, before moving to Major League Soccer in 2022 to play for Philadelphia Union. His quest for consistent playing time saw him take on loan moves to Denmark’s AaB Aalborg and Scotland’s Dundee United, where he hoped to secure a regular starting spot.
His international career with Harambee Stars has been just as varied, with Odada earning 25 caps since his debut in 2021. He has featured in both the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, cementing his place in the midfield as a key player for the national team. His calmness on the ball and defensive discipline have earned him recognition, even in the face of Kenya’s challenging campaigns.
Despite the ups and downs of his club career, Odada’s determination and resilience have kept him pushing for better opportunities. His arrival at UTA Arad is expected to bring a blend of physical presence and tactical intelligence to the Romanian side. The club, which is working to climb the Liga I table, believes Odada’s experience and playmaking ability can bolster their midfield and help them achieve their ambitions for the season.
For Odada, the move to Romania presents another opportunity to prove himself at a competitive level and continue his growth as a player. As he embarks on this new journey, both his club and national team supporters will be watching closely, hoping to see his talents shine in this new chapter of his career.
