When asked by moderator Radu Naum if he would need Steven Nsimba at Rapid, Daniel Pancu stated that he considers the 30-year-old French-Congolese striker, who is receiving decreasing playing time at Universitatea Craiova, to be the best in the league at holding the ball and absorbing pressure, which are qualities he needs at his club. Pancu added that Nsimba has the age and experience he desires to help Rapid compete for a position in the top three, and that he wants two or three winter transfers of players around 30 years old to increase the team's level of experience. Nsimba's contract runs until June 30, 2027, and he is dissatisfied with his reduced playing time. FIFA agent Mihăiță Pleșan recently declared that Nsimba is unequivocally disappointed and upset. Pleșan also stated that the player will not remain at the club, a view Nsimba has also expressed, and suggested there might be an issue with the coach at Universitatea Craiova. Nsimba, who joined the club in July 2025, has also been linked with FCSB. According to Transfermarkt, his current market value is €1.00M. In negotiations reported in September-October 2026, FCSB's offer was said to be a player plus a sum of money between €800,000 and over €1,000,000, while Craiova's counter-demand was reportedly the same player plus €1,200,000. It was also reported that in January 2026, the Chinese club Zhejiang FC made a €1,200,000 offer.