AEK finish transfer business for the summer
Despite the squad not boasting any depth, AEK Athens have reportedly finished their campaign in the summer transfer window, opting to stick with the players which they already have.
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Originally, the reigning Greek champions were heavily linked with Celta Vigo defensive midfielder Nemanja Radoja and Swansea City winger Luciano Narsingh, but no agreement was found with the mentioned clubs. Eager to sign cover for Andre Simoes, Konstantinos Galanopoulos and Alef, AEK engaged in negotiations with Celta in order to pinch 25-year old Serbian Radoja, however it fell through and he won’t be transferring to Athens. The same can be said for the case of 27-year old Dutch attacker Narsingh.
Nevertheless, clubs can still sign free agents until September 14. Former AEK midfielder Panagiotis Kone, who played on loan at the Enosis from Udinese in the 2017/2018 season, has cancelled his contract with the Italian side and taking into account the 31-year old’s desire to return to AEK, there is a possibility that the Kitrinomavri will snap him up. AEK are keen to complete the transfer before Monday, September 3 - the date when squads for participation in the UEFA Champions League group stages must be submitted.
Overall, Serafeim Giannikoglou (goalkeeper), Marios Oikonomou (defender), Stratos Svarnas (defender), Alef (midfielder), Lucas Boye (winger), Giannis Gianniotas (winger), Ezequiel Ponce (forward) and Christos Almpanis (forward) all joined AEK this summer. According to reports in the media, English Championship club West Bromwich Albion offered 10 million euros for captain Petros Mantalos, but AEK kindly declined.
PEDRO VITOR OFFLOADED TO ARIS
Recently, AEK signed 20-year old Brazilian winger Pedro Vitor from Sport Recife, but the Athenians have already opted to offload him to Aris in a co-ownership deal. Both AEK and Aris hold the player’s rights and it’s expected that if Vitor performs well in Thessaloniki, he will be recalled to AEK. Aris confirmed the deal with this statement:
“Aris FC announces that an agreement has been reached with AEK FC to acquire Brazilian footballer Pedro Vitor Ferreira Da Silva. The transfer is a co-ownership with AEK.”
