Octavian Popescu’s Benfica switch fell through amid Steaua demands and 50 million euros valuation | OneFootball

Octavian Popescu, also known as Tavi Popescu, came close to joining Benfica as a teenager, but Steaua de Bucareste’s demands halted the move, former academy chief Bogdan Costicea has said.

"I brought Diogo Gama to Romania. I had lunch with him and with someone very close to Gigi Becali. He came to sign Florinel Coman. Then he came back to take Tavi Popescu," he told iAMsport.

"I do not know the exact figures or details, but I know Benfica offered a very high amount and a percentage of a future sale. The deal did not happen."

"One thing is to be signed by Benfica at 19 and be developed there, another is to be developed by Toni Petrea at 17."

At the time, Gigi Becali believed the youngster could fetch around 50 million euros in a future move, so he rejected Benfica’s offer. "I do not think Benfica have the money to buy his rights. I think he is worth between 100 and 150 million euros, but I am willing to sell for half," he told Digi Sport.

Now 23, Popescu is trying to rediscover his best level after several underwhelming seasons. He made 40 appearances last season, scoring two goals, far from the nine he produced in 2021/22 that drew Benfica’s attention.

Source: Glorioso 1904