 He also was loaned by Steaua to Oțelul Galați in the 2004–05 season in Liga I.In 2002, Ghionea moved to Steaua Bucureşti for free transfer, but he did not convince Victor Piturca, Steaua's manager at that time, playing only in 6 matches and then being loaned back to Oțelul Galați.He played as a captain for Oțelul on his loaned season in most of the matches and he had excellent performances.