David Kiki’s time at Steaua Bucharest appears to be drawing to a close, as the Beninese defender finds himself on the fringes of the club’s plans.
With limited appearances since his arrival, the 31-year-old is now attracting interest from within Romania’s Liga I, most notably from Rapid Bucharest.
Kiki joined Steaua Bucharest at the start of the 2024–25 campaign on a three-year deal, but his stint with the club has failed to gain momentum.
Despite arriving with expectations of strengthening the left flank, the seasoned international has struggled to cement a place in the starting lineup.
Over the course of the season, he has made just nine starts across all competitions, a figure that underscores his peripheral role in the squad.
Sources close to the player suggest that a summer departure is increasingly likely. According to reports, Rapid Bucharest has already initiated preliminary discussions with Kiki’s representatives.
The club, looking to reinforce its defensive line with experienced talent, is believed to be seriously considering a move for the former Ligue 2 player ahead of the 2025–26 season.
Any potential transfer, however, would require negotiations with Steaua Bucharest, who retain Kiki under contract until June 2027.
While the club has yet to comment publicly on the matter, insiders indicate that Steaua may be open to letting the player leave, particularly if a suitable offer is made.
Kiki’s uncertain future comes in stark contrast to the optimism that surrounded his signing. A proven left-back with international credentials for Benin, he was expected to add depth and versatility to Steaua’s defensive options.
However, his tenure has been marred by limited minutes and a lack of continuity on the pitch, prompting speculation about his long-term prospects at the club.
Interest in Kiki is not confined to the Romanian capital. Reports also indicate that several other European sides are monitoring the situation, though no concrete offers from outside Romania have been reported at this stage.
The player’s experience and availability are seen as appealing assets, particularly for clubs seeking immediate reinforcements in the defensive department.
Rapid Bucharest, meanwhile, appear to be at the front of the queue. The club, traditionally one of Steaua’s fiercest rivals, sees Kiki as a valuable addition ahead of what they hope will be a competitive campaign next season.
Their pursuit underscores the shifting dynamics within the Romanian league, where player movement between top-tier sides is becoming increasingly commonplace.
As the summer transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on how Steaua handles Kiki’s situation.
Whether a deal can be struck remains to be seen, but with multiple parties interested and the player reportedly keen on securing more playing time, a resolution is expected in the coming weeks.
For now, David Kiki’s next move is uncertain—but the writing appears to be on the wall for his time at Steaua Bucharest.
