 On 12 February 2012, Niculae signed a new deal with Dinamo, extending his contract until 2014.Later that month, Niculae has been appointed team captain, taking over the leadership from Dănciulescu.He scored in three matches in a row against Pandurii, Sportul Studenţesc and Oţelul Galaţi, continuing his quest for the Golden Boot.