Former CSKA Sofia defender Brian Córdoba is poised to return to his native Colombia, marking a swift conclusion to his stint with the Bulgarian club. Córdoba parted ways with CSKA Sofia a little over a month ago, and is now reportedly close to securing a deal with Cucuta Deportivo.
The move comes as Cucuta Deportivo find themselves in a precarious position within the Colombian league. Currently languishing in 19th place in the standings after seven rounds, the team has struggled to find form, managing only three draws and suffering four defeats. Córdoba’s arrival is likely viewed as an attempt to bolster a defense that has clearly been underperforming.
Córdoba, nicknamed “El Sheriff,” failed to establish himself as a regular starter during his time at CSKA Sofia, falling short of expectations. The club and player reached a mutual agreement to terminate his contract in January. Despite making 43 appearances for the Sofia-based club, totaling 3382 minutes on the pitch, the Colombian defender didn’t manage to find the back of the net. He accumulated six yellow cards and one red card during his tenure.
The transfer represents a change of scenery for Córdoba, who joined CSKA Sofia in the summer of 2023 for a reported fee of around $1 million. While the initial investment signaled a belief in his potential, he ultimately couldn’t break into the first team consistently, despite changes in management. His opportunities were limited; he played a full 90 minutes in only one league match – a visit to Slavia Sofia (2-2). He featured for 45 minutes against CSKA 1948 (0-1) and made a late appearance against Ludogorets. A further appearance came in a Bulgarian Cup tie against Sevlievo (2-1).
The Bulgarian football landscape has seen some movement recently, with other clubs also active in the transfer market. While details of other potential moves are emerging, Córdoba’s situation highlights the challenges players face in adapting to new leagues and meeting the expectations of their clubs. The summer 2025 transfer window, as documented, is already showing signs of activity across both the First League and Second League in Bulgaria.
CSKA Sofia, meanwhile, continues its campaign in the Russian Cup, having confidently defeated Baltika in the second leg to reach the final of the FONBET Russian Cup 2023/24. Recent results show a mixed bag for the club, with draws against Lokomotiv (3-3), Sochi (2-2), and Zenit (1-1), alongside victories over Fakel (4-1) and Rostov (2-0). Their current standing in the Russian Championship places them at the top of the table with 22 points from 10 matches.
The departure of Córdoba allows CSKA Sofia to free up resources and potentially pursue other targets in the transfer market. The club’s focus remains on domestic and continental success, and the recent performances suggest they are well-positioned to achieve their goals. The team’s ability to navigate the transfer window effectively will be crucial as they look to maintain their competitive edge.
For Córdoba, the move back to Colombia offers a chance to reignite his career and prove his worth in familiar surroundings. Joining a team in need of reinforcement could provide him with the playing time and opportunity to showcase his abilities. However, the challenges at Cucuta Deportivo are significant, and he will need to quickly adapt to the demands of the league and contribute to the team’s efforts to climb the standings.
The situation underscores the often-unpredictable nature of football transfers. While some players thrive in new environments, others struggle to adapt, leading to a mutual parting of ways. Córdoba’s story serves as a reminder that success in football requires not only talent but also the right fit and a degree of luck.
