Gigi Becali stated he is willing for Octavian Popescu to move on loan to Al Okhdood, the new team of Marius Șumudică. Subsequently, Marius Șumudică stated that he does not intend to transfer players from Romania to Saudi Arabia. Mihai Stoica stated that Octavian Popescu must work and prove he deserves to play in the team, and that for the moment, Popescu remains at FCSB. Fanatik reported that Marius Șumudică said Al Okhdood will make three transfers this winter, targeting interesting players from Europe, and that no Romanian player is on their list.

Octavian Popescu was reportedly wanted by Marius Șumudică at Al-Okhdood, the team he recently took over. Marius Șumudică stated that Al-Okhdood needs reinforcements and has discussed making three transfers this winter with the club management. However, Șumudică asserted that he does not intend to transfer any players from Romania and that no Romanian player is on his list. Gigi Becali, owner of FCSB, expressed his belief that Șumudică is the coach who could revitalize Octavian Popescu, who has been out of form in recent seasons. Becali also stated his opinion that if the player were there, the big teams would buy him.

Gigi Becali has approved the transfer of Octavian Popescu to Al-Okhdood, the team managed by Marius Șumudică. According to Gigi Becali, Marius Șumudică says he can revitalize the player. The move is a loan until the summer, and Becali says he is willing to agree to a permanent transfer of the player for 10 million euros. According to Sport.ro, Tavi Popescu has approved the transfer and will leave the training camp in Antalya to join his new team in Saudi Arabia. Speaking to PRO TV and Sport.ro, Gigi Becali stated that he is waiting for them to decide. He confirmed he had spoken to Șumudică, who said that he has revitalized many players and will also revitalize him. Becali believes that if Popescu is there, the big teams will buy him, and he thinks ten million can be obtained for him.

Octavian Popescu, a 23-year-old Romanian winger, is leaving FCSB to join Al-Okhdood on loan until the end of the season. Marius Șumudică initiated the move by contacting Gigi Becali to propose the loan immediately after being appointed as the new coach of the Saudi Arabian club. Popescu has reportedly agreed to the transfer and desires a change, partly due to recent pressure from Becali regarding his performances. He is expected to leave FCSB's training camp in Antalya soon to join his new team. According to an announcement by Gigi Becali, FCSB will receive a loan fee of 150,000 euros. In a recent public appearance, Becali stated that he believed the player's talent is worth 20 million euros. Popescu joined FCSB in September 2020, and his contract is valid until June 2026. In the 2025/2026 SuperLiga season, he has made 12 appearances, providing one assist and scoring no goals. He has no caps for the Romania U21 team. His market value is estimated by Transfermarkt to be €850k.