Oltchim are building a “Dream Team”

Just days after agreeing terms with Allison Pineau, EHF Women's Champions League semi-finalists Oltchim Rm.Vâlcea have signed French goalkeeper Amandine Leynaud from Metz on a one-year contract.

The Romanian champions are preparing to build a "Dream Team" for the next season, in which the objective will be winning the EHF Women’s Champions League trophy.

Three semi-finals in the last four years were not enough for the ambitious Romanians, who are planning to be the best team in Europe in the next few years.

Leynaud, 25, has been a part of Metz Handball’s team for eight years and the move to Romania will be her first experience outside of France. The French goalkeeper is not afraid of the new challenge and wants to win silverware with her new team.

“The coach, the physio and Allison are fluent French speakers, so I am not afraid I won’t make myself understood. I knew I would leave Metz after Oltchim came to me with their offer. They presented a long-term plan, the objectives are very ambitious and I want to win the EHF Women’s Champions League. I am excited about this transfer and I can’t wait to start the training sessions with Oltchim”

Oltchim’s president, Petre Berbecaru, confirmed the transfer and spoke about Oltchim’s ambitions.

“With these two new transfers, we are trying to build a Dream Team in Râmnicu Vâlcea,” he said.

“We managed to convince Allison and Amandine with our long-term plan. Also, Oltchim’s name was very important. Cristina Neagu will be back next season and we will be even stronger”.