At a press conference before the match between Sepsi and CFR Cluj, Șumudică stated that Octavian Popescu was close to joining CFR Cluj and that several things happened on the last day of the transfer window. Șumudică also mentioned that he tried to reach the player but could not, and that he spoke with Gigi Becali, who wanted to loan Popescu out, but the transfer was ultimately not completed.

CFR Cluj wanted to loan Octavian Popescu, but FCSB opposed the move and has decided to keep the player in the squad for this season. According to the Greek publication Sportal, Steaua (FCSB) has clarified that it does not consider the loan offers it has received, and as a result, the player will remain in Bucharest.

Following Marius Șumudică's public offer to take Octavian Popescu on loan at CFR Cluj until the summer, and Gigi Becali's announcement that he agrees to the loan, Mihai Stoica has stated that Octavian Popescu will not go to CFR Cluj. Stoica added that a loan to CFR Cluj is not a possibility.

Marius Șumudică has publicly stated that he would take 23-year-old Romanian winger Octavian Popescu at CFR Cluj, even if only until the summer, on loan. Șumudică said he would take Tavi Popescu the next day, proposed that Popescu be given to him on loan until the summer, and added that they would then see how Tavi Popescu returns. Following this proposal from Șumudică, Gigi Becali announced that he agrees to loan Octavian Popescu to CFR Cluj. According to the cited source, Becali said he would give him and would do so the next day. Popescu, who has been with FCSB since September 2020 and has earned 7 caps for Romania, has a contract that runs until June 2026 and a current Transfermarkt market value of €600k. Polish club Korona Kielce has also been linked with the player.