Article by Tudor Belivacă – Published Monday, 05 January 2026 21:29 / Updated Monday, 05 January 2026 22:48
Gigi Becali, the boss of FCSB, spoke about the possibility of Octavian Popescu (23 years old) going on loan to Al Okhdood, the team where Marius Șumudică was confirmed as head coach today.
Octavian Popescu played at senior level only at AFC Turris and FCSB. Now Gigi Becali spoke about a possible departure of Tavi Popescu for 6 months. Thiam was initially discussed, but he has already played for two clubs this season, U Cluj and FCSB, and could not play for a third one, just like in the case of Vladislav Blănuță. 150,000 euros would be paid by the team from Saudi Arabia for the footballer's loan.
Gigi Becali, announcement about Octavian Popescu's loan: “Well, take him, but talk to him if he wants to go, until the summer, for 6 months”
“Sumudica asked me about Thiam and another player. They said about Thiam, they need a strong player.
Yesterday “Pantera” (former footballer Cătălin Liță) called me for Thiam and told me that they want to take George (no Octavian) Popescu. Well, take him, but talk to him if he wants to go, until the summer, 6 months. There they need a marriage certificate. If he's not married, he's not allowed to live with his girlfriend in the same house,” Gigi Becali said on the Digi Sport Special show.
I hope someone sees him there and I'll take 20 million on him. His talent is 20 million. I trust Šumudica.
I found out what was the problem with him. There were small things that became big. Now I found out. The entourage was the problem. Now he is not allowed to talk on the phone with three people in his private life. They were dangerous. They affected his football.
Only the two of them asked me. They need the left lane. I asked for 150,000 per loan, 5 months, I also give her 200,000 euros.
–Gigi Becalithe FCSB patron
Octavian Popescu has 207 matches at FCSB, and in total he scored 25 goals and provided 25 decisive assists. FCSB's left wing is in an obvious decline in form. This season he played in 22 matches, accumulating 794 minutes, scoring no goals and providing two assists. It is quoted by specialized websites at 850,000 euros.
Octavian Popescu also has 7 appearances for the Romanian senior national team. Debut in 2022 when he was in peak form.
