Rapid Bucharest has been dealt a significant blow ahead of the 2025-2026 SuperLiga season after striker Borisav Burmaz sustained a severe anterior cruciate ligament injury during a preseason friendly against Vardar Skopje. The 24-year-old Serbian forward is expected to be sidelined for approximately six months, effectively ruling him out for most of the upcoming campaign.
Burmaz, who joined Rapid in January 2024 from Vozdovac for €400,000, struggled to find consistent form last season, scoring just four goals in 37 appearances. His absence leaves Rapid with only two senior forwards: Elvir Koljic, 29, who has a history of fitness issues, and 22-year-old Timotej Jambor. Adding to the offensive woes, Nigerian forward David Ankeye has departed, returning to Genoa, further thinning Rapid’s attacking options.
In response, Rapid is actively pursuing reinforcements up front and has identified Kazakh striker Abat Aymbetov as a prime target. Aymbetov, who is currently a free agent after a stint at Turkish side Adana Demirspor where he netted 5 goals in 27 appearances, previously played only in Kazakhstan for clubs including Aktobe, Kairat, and Astana. Notably, he was close to joining Romanian rivals FCSB earlier this year before negotiations stalled due to unresolved transfer matters involving another player.
Rapid’s first test without Burmaz will come away at FC Argeș on July 11, with the match broadcast live on Digi Sport 1. The club’s urgent search for a reliable striker underscores the challenges coach Costel Gâlcă faces in maintaining offensive competitiveness after losing a key player to injury just weeks before the season opener.
This situation highlights the precarious balance in Rapid’s squad depth and could influence their tactical approach and transfer strategy in the weeks ahead. Securing Aymbetov or another proven goalscorer will be critical for Rapid’s ambitions in the SuperLiga.