According to Fanatik, Universitatea Craiova's owner, Mihai Rotaru, stated that his club was interested in Ștefan Târnovanu, a 26-year-old Romanian goalkeeper from FCSB. The club's interest developed after their goalkeeper, Pavlo Isenko, was injured before the play-offs, leading them to seek both a short-term and a long-term replacement. Rotaru explained that two goalkeepers from the domestic league, Târnovanu and U Cluj's Edvinas Gertmonas, were suggested to them, and they subsequently inquired with their agents about their availability. The approach for Târnovanu was made when Gigi Becali was reportedly willing to let the player go. Rotaru confirmed there were feelers or initial discussions, but the talks concluded after Târnovanu said that Mirel had come and promised him he would play. Târnovanu has four caps for Romania, and his contract with FCSB runs until 2028. Transfermarkt lists his current market value at €3.80m.