“They needed him like air!” » Adrian Porumboiu, stunned by Rapid's strategy: “I didn't understand”
Article by Adrian Duţă – Published Monday, February 02, 2026, 11:06 p.m. / Updated Monday, February 02, 2026, 11:08 p.m.
The former owner of FC Vaslui, Adrian Porumboiu, charged the management of Rapid for not bringing the captain of the national team. The former referee believes that the midfielder Nicolae Stanciu (32 years old) is the missing piece in the gear of Costel Gâlcă's team.
Although Rapid was active in the transfer market, co-opting 5 new players, bringing Nicolae Stanciu remained only at the stage of desire.
Adrian Porumboiu, the man who managed the midfielder's ascent in big football, at FC Vaslui, said he was surprised that the white-and-cherry officials did not force the move.
Adrian Porumboiu: “Rapid needed Stanciu like air”
“Rapid seemed weaker than U Cluj. I didn't understand why they didn't take Stanciu. They needed him like air, but it's their job!”, said Adrian Porumboiu, for GSP.
Instead, Rapid transferred Olimpiu Moruțan, a player used by Gâlcă on the right flank in the match with U Cluj, 0-2. Porumboiu commented with his characteristic irony on this move as well.
“It's good that he sent him somewhere [pe Moruțan]not to send him to the bench”, said Adrian Porumboiu for GSP.
Stanciu will surely play in China, he will play well. If I'm not mistaken, Andrei Burcă also comes from there. I am firmly convinced that Nicușor will play very well and I hope we qualify [la Mondial]. I spoke with Nicolae Stanciu and he told me that his clear goal is to play for the national team and to do it as well as possible.
– Adrian Porumboiu, former owner of FC Vaslui
Nicolae Stanciu signed with Dalian
Nicolae Stanciu left Genoa, the other club patronized by Dan Șucu, and signed with Dalian Yingo, from the first Chinese league. The attacking midfielder spent just half a season in Serie A, from last summer until January.
He played 7 games for Genoa, scoring one goal in the Coppa Italia, failing to score or provide an assist in Serie A.
Romanian international Nicolae Stanciu has officially signed with Dalian Yingbo Football Club. At the beginning of 2022, he arrived in China for the first time, at Wuhan Three Towns, a newly promoted team in the Chinese Super League. He immediately became the engine of the team. He played 53 games, scored 11 goals and provided 27 assists. He contributed decisively to the first title in the club's history.
His transfer brings top class creativity and experience to the midfield for Dalian Yingbo. The club is counting on his contribution to increase the level of the team and for solid results in the new Superliga season. Welcome, Nicolae Stanciu, to the Dalian Yingbo family.
– Dalian Yingbo statement
Nicolae Stanciu, the new player of Dalian Yingbo
