Another controversy related to Gabonese striker Aaron Boupendza appears set to reach a conclusion soon. The former Hatayspor hitman has burned his bridge with Romania's Rapid Bucharest after lashing out at club management during a training camp in Dubai, resulting in Boupendza being banished from team activities.
Boupendza and Rapid fell out over a disagreement related to unpaid bonuses, resulting in the Gabonese returning to Romania separately. After Rapid minority shareholder Victor Angelescu declared to the club's squad and to media that Boupendza is persona non grata, it appears that the talented but unpredictable goal scorer will head to Chinese football now.
Zhejiang Professional is cited by Romanian outlet Digi Sport as the club Boupendza will join and ironically, he will have to return to the UAE to complete the transfer where the Chinese club is preparing for the upcoming Chinese Super League campaign.
Despite his publicized discipline issues over the past two years for Rapid and Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati, Boupendza looks set for a salary increase from €50,000/month at Rapid to over €700,000 per year (€58,330/month) with Zhejiang if all the formalities are completed for his transfer to China. Rapid will leave somewhat satisfied as well with a transfer fee of €800,000 after refusing a mutual termination of Boupendza's contract.
Zhejiang begin their 2025 Chinese Super League season on February 23 against Dalian Yingbo after finishing 7th in the 16-team league last season. Boupendza's four-month spell with Rapid ends with the striker accumulating five goals in eleven matches across all competitions.
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