Former Rapid captain Cristi Săpunaru had targeted Alexandru Musi as a key transfer ahead of the new season, seeing the young player as a major asset for the team. Musi, who recently moved to Dinamo București, was considered by Săpunaru to be one of the most promising under-21 talents, alongside Borza, due to his experience with clubs like FCSB, Poli Iași, and Petrolul and his SuperLiga background.
Săpunaru understood that Gigi Becali, owner of FCSB, was keen to offload Musi, whom he had publicly criticized last season, calling him out for lacking physicality (“has hamstrings”). This perception further convinced Săpunaru that Musi would be an excellent signing opportunity for Rapid.
However, despite these plans, the deal did not materialize as expected. The two parties eventually parted ways, and the sporting director role at Rapid was given to Mauro Pederzoli, formerly of Parma, who officially took over the position in mid-June and outlined his intent to strengthen the squad through new signings.
Rapid’s summer transfer activity has been relatively modest, with only three new players brought in: Drilon Hazrollaj from Malisheva for €900,000, Lars Kramer on a free transfer after leaving Aalborg BK, and Kader Keita from CFR Cluj for €200,000. The club is preparing for its season opener against FC Argeș on Friday, July 11, with the match broadcast live on Digi Sport 1.
The failure to secure Musi, who ended up involved in the Dennis Politic transfer deal to Dinamo, highlights the competitive and strategic challenges Rapid faces in reinforcing its squad amid rivalries in Bucharest. Pederzoli’s appointment and his approach to recruitment will be crucial for Rapid’s ambitions in the upcoming season.