Romanian clubs Petrolul and Rapid gear up for 2026‑27 season

Petrolul Ploiești held a preseason camp in Poland under Portuguese coach Ricardo Sousa. The team played four friendly matches, winning two, and Sousa announced a core group of players, including new signing Alejandro Bran Flores from Costa Rica, valued at €300,000. He also highlighted the need to reinforce the striker position and noted challenges meeting the U21 eligibility rule.

Rapid București, returning to the Superliga under new manager Daniel Pancu, faces pressure from club president Robert Niță, who expects Pancu to replicate his previous success with CFR Cluj. Rapid finished the 2025/26 season in fifth place. The club’s transfer window saw several arrivals and departures, including free signings and loan deals, as it prepares for the upcoming campaign.