Rapid Bucharest is poised to make a significant statement in the transfer market with the imminent signing of French striker Antoine Baroan. The 25-year-old forward, previously on loan at Bulgarian champions Ludogorets from FC Winterthur, will join Rapid for an estimated fee of €400,000, as reported by Fanatik. Baroan is expected to be officially unveiled by the club on Tuesday, July 8.
Baroan, valued at around €800,000 according to Transfermarkt, was also a target for Dinamo Bucharest earlier this year, but Rapid have now secured his services. The deal is the first major move orchestrated by Mauro Pederzoli, the experienced sporting director recently brought in by club owner Dan Șucu from Italy’s Serie A.
At Rapid, Baroan will earn a reported monthly salary of €25,000, reflecting the club’s ambition to strengthen its attack following the long-term injury to key striker Borisav Burmaz. Currently, Rapid’s frontline options are limited to Elvir Koljic (29) and Timotej Jambor (22), making Baroan’s arrival a timely boost.
Last season, Baroan scored two goals and provided two assists in seven appearances for Ludogorets. For Winterthur, where he has been under contract since February 2024, he netted five times and set up four more in 36 matches. Standing at 1.88 meters, Baroan offers versatility, capable of playing both centrally and on the flanks.
Rapid finished fifth in the Romanian SuperLiga play-offs last season. The acquisition of Baroan signals their intent to compete for higher honors and address a glaring weakness in their squad depth up front.