AEK close to completing Rizoupoli move
AEK are closing in on their move to Rizoupoli for the 2020/2021 campaign, while there is the possibility of Ognjen Vranjes leaving Anderlecht as a free agent in the summer.
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The Kitrinomavri are close to securing their long-awaited departure from the Olympic Stadium. According to several reports in Greece, the AEK management is ready to finalise its move to the Georgios Kamaras Stadium in Rizoupoli, a neighborhood situated directly next to the region of Nea Filadelfeia. AEK will play at the arena in the 2020/2021 campaign before the grand opening of the Agia Sofia Stadium takes place next summer.
AEK have mainly been playing at the hugely unpopular OAKA in Marousi since the Nikos Goumas Stadium was demolished in 2003.
Apollon Smyrnis, the owner of the Georgios Kamaras Stadium, will issue the green light for AEK to use the arena. During the current season, AEK played one Super League game at the stadium due to the OAKA pitch being replaced, defeating Volos NFC 3-2 in a thriller with the atmospheric venue packed to the rafters.
The main reason for the move to Rizoupoli is the fact that it’s cheaper in comparison to the OAKA. Furthermore, the 2020/2021 season is likely to at least start inside empty stadiums because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and this means that AEK will lose less money with regard to ticket sales and operating costs if they play in Rizoupoli.
Another factor is the difficulty of controlling the large territory which belongs to the OAKA. In the last couple of seasons, AEK have been forced to play several matches behind closed doors while receiving damaging points deductions as a result of skirmishes between fans and police outside of the arena, with the organisation pointing out that it does not boast the resources required to control all of the territory belonging to the Olympic Park. The OAKA is also heavily unpopular among the supporters due to the running track around the pitch which makes it somewhat challenging to create an intimidating atmosphere.
POSSIBILITY OF VRANJES LEAVING ANDERLECHT FOR FREE
Ognjen Vranjes, who is in excellent relations with the Original 21 movement, could possibly leave Anderlecht as a free agent when the 2019/2020 campaign. The Bosnian centre-back has been playing on loan at AEK this season.
In Belgium, reports have stated that taking into account their poor financial situation, Anderlecht are eager to remove Vranjes from their wage bill. Anderlecht have been hit hard by the economic damage suffered as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Vranjes had previously been ostracized from the Anderlecht team in the 2018/2019 season after disciplinary issues.
The 30-year-old defender recently confirmed that he wants to remain at AEK: “I want to stay at AEK, I’m really happy in Athens. This is my second home. It’s been a great season for me so far, I am once again the best defender of the Greek league! Anderlecht? I respect the terms of my contract. I gave my all for them in every game, as always.”
All indications are pointing towards Vranjes penning a permanent deal with AEK if his contract with Anderlecht is cancelled.
In the 2019/2020 season, Vranjes made 24 appearances across all competitions for AEK, contributing with two goals and committed displays at the back.
