Clinton N’Jie, who joined Rapid București in September 2024 on a two-year deal, has struggled to make a significant impact under coach Marius Șumudică. In his 10 league appearances this season, he managed only 1 goal. Despite arriving with promise—expressing excitement about playing for a “big club”—his overall contribution has been limited, both in terms of minutes and productivity, for what would be expected of a player with Champions League and Premier League experience.
Coach & Club President Speaks Out
- Viorel Moldovan, Rapid’s president, candidly described N’Jie’s contribution as “quite limited.” Although still on the squad, he wasn’t included in the recent match against Oțelul, signaling a likely exit (prosport.ro).
- Coach Șumudică was more blunt: “If I knew what’s wrong I’d make him Pele, but I can’t find his chip … he lost two training periods… I just don’t know”. This suggests concerns over fitness, motivation, or adapting to the coach’s system.
Transfer Outlook: Summer Departure Incoming?
- N’Jie remains under contract until June 2026, but Rapid has decided not to renew beyond that point (transferfeed.com).
- According to TransferFeed, he’s expected to leave in summer 2025, with Turkish club Kocaelispor and China’s Henan Songshan showing interest.
- The likely outcome: a permanent departure, as he’s fallen out of favour and will not be part of Rapid’s long-term plans.
Off-field Legal & Financial Troubles
Recent off-field news complicates the picture for N’Jie:
- A French court has repossessed his Bentley after he failed to pay leasing installments since 2019. He was ordered to pay approximately €66,000 plus interest, and the car was auctioned for €125,000 without his representation in court (as.ro).
This suggests financial strain and could impact his next move or contract negotiations.
Summary & Next Steps
| Aspect | Key Points & Implications |
|---|---|
| Playing Time | Bench player with limited minutes, unlikely to be offered a new deal. |
| Club Status | Not part of Rapid’s vision; set to depart post-contract in summer 2025. |
| Transfer Prospects | Linked with Kocaelispor (Turkey) and Henan Songshan (China)—a quieter phase beyond top European leagues. |
| Personal Issues | Repossession of luxury car hints at financial issues, possibly affecting negotiations. |
What to Watch
- Will N’Jie confirm a move to Kocaelispor or Henan Songshan? Check summer 2025 transfer windows.
- How will off-field financial difficulties affect his career planning and stability?
- Can he regain form and prominence in a new environment, or is his best football behind him?
📎 Player Profile (Update as of June 2025)
- Age: 31 (b. Aug 15, 1993)
- Role: Winger/forward
- Rapid Stats: 10 appearances, 1 goal
- Contract: Until June 2026 (not being renewed)
Conclusion
Clinton N’Jie’s chapter at Rapid has been underwhelming. Once a promising pick-up with a strong CV, he’s struggled to meet expectations on the pitch. Club leadership and coaching decisions have sidelined him, and his future appears to lie away from Romanian football. What adds complexity is his personal financial issue—highlighting tumult during what should be a transition phase in his career. The upcoming summer transfer will be crucial: it could offer redemption in a new league—or mark a steep decline from top-tier football.