 In July 2009, Niculae was close to a move to Terek Grozny, but the transfer collapsed since the Russians refused to pay the VAT.On 23 August, he scored the only goal from a 1–0 win against CFR Cluj Four days later, Niculae scored twice in a 3–0 away win against Slovan Liberec, helping his team to overcome a three goals deficit.After Niculae scored the third goal, the match went into extra-time and then penalties, in which he scored the first penalty.