 Midway through 1998–99, Barbu signed with FC Rapid Bucureşti, helping the capital club to the Liga I title with eight goals in only 11 matches.He was also crowned the competition's top scorer the previous campaign with 21 for Argeş Piteşti, despite missing several games due to his time in Asia.For 1999–2000, Barbu moved to Spain and joined La Liga strugglers CD Numancia.