The managerial landscape at Rapid Bucharest saw a significant shift this summer, with Cristi Săpunaru, the club’s former captain, initially positioned to play a key role in recruitment. Săpunaru reportedly had ambitious plans for new signings, notably targeting Alexandru Musi, Dinamo’s young midfielder. Musi, aged 20, was viewed as a standout under-23 prospect alongside Borza, with a promising track record at FCSB, Poli Iași, and Petrolul, as well as valuable experience in the Romanian SuperLiga. Săpunaru was convinced that Musi—despite public criticism from Dinamo’s owner Gigi Becali, who last season described him as “having legs like sausages”—represented a strong market opportunity for Rapid.
Ultimately, however, Săpunaru’s involvement did not materialize as expected. The two parties parted ways, and the club instead appointed Mauro Pederzoli, former director of Parma, as the new sporting director. Pederzoli, a seasoned executive with a strong European profile, will lead Rapid’s transfer strategy and overall sporting direction for at least the next two seasons. Meanwhile, Musi was included in the deal involving Dennis Politic and moved to Dinamo, Rapid’s city rivals.
Rapid’s summer transfer activity has been relatively measured, with only three notable arrivals: Drilon Hazrollaj, acquired from Malisheva for €900,000; Lars Kramer, signed on a free transfer after leaving Aalborg BK; and Kader Keita, purchased from CFR Cluj for €200,000. The club is set to open the new season away to FC Argeș on Friday, July 11, at 21:30, live on Digi Sport 1.
**Context and Implications**
The appointment of Mauro Pederzoli signals Rapid’s ambition to elevate their profile and compete for European spots, as emphasized in his recent press statements. The club is aiming to build a balanced and competitive squad, with a strong focus on youth integration and efficient budget management. Missing out on Musi to a direct rival could be seen as a setback, but Rapid’s patient, strategic approach under new leadership may yield long-term benefits.