Marius Ştefănescu (27) could return to Romania after a single season in Turkey with Konyaspor. The midfielder was transferred from FCSB to Konyaspor for €1.3 million in 2024 but was then loaned out for a much lower sum of €300,000 after underperforming in the Superliga. With his contract expiring this summer, Ştefănescu will soon be a free agent.

Marius Ştefănescu, Desired by Sepsi OSK

Sepsi OSK, which has been promoted to Superliga after a single season in Liga 2, is gearing up for a transfer campaign to avoid relegation next season. Attila Hadnagy, the club’s sporting director, confirmed that Ştefănescu is at the top of their transfer list.

“We are in negotiations. Of course, Ştefănescu helped us greatly, and we helped him mutually as he moved to a better club and earned some money. He is a player we want. He performed well with us here, played his best here, and considers this his home. If we understand each other, hopefully, he will help us 100%,” Hadnagy told Sport.ro.

After his move to Konyaspor, Ştefănescu’s market value dropped to €700,000, largely due to limited playing time in Turkey. He participated in 11 matches, mostly as a substitute, and scored one goal.

Attila Hadnagy: "Goal? Positions 10-12"

Once a club with ambitions in the top division, Sepsi OSK aims to gradually rebuild its status as a strong team in the Superliga. After promotion, the team from Sfântu Gheorghe plans to secure direct safety from relegation without the emotions of a potential play-off.

“I can say that we are a new promotion, after eight years of winning cups and playing in Europe. The impact with Liga 1 will not be easy; we don't have a very ambitious goal in the first year, but to be among the top 10-12, to avoid the play-off, and God forbid, relegation. We will see, taking one step at a time,” Hadnagy added.

Sepsi OSK was relegated to Liga 2 in the 2024/25 season after finishing 7th in the regular season with 41 points, six points away from the playoff positions. In the play-out, the team had a very poor performance, finishing with only 26 points, one win, two draws, and six losses.