Experienced PAOK trio in limbo over contract situation
PAOK have announced that their sporting director Mario Branco will be departing in January, leaving three of their most experienced players in limbo over their current contract situation.
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Vieirinha, Mauricio and Leo Matos are the three experienced players within PAOK’s squad who remain without a contract for next season. With the departure of PAOK’s Portuguese sporting director next month, the reigning Greek champions will be hoping to clear up their futures sooner rather than later.
Vieirinha hoping to end career in Thessaloniki
PAOK’s captain Vieirinha has recently returned from a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury. According to reports, both parties are eager to renew their deal, and the 33-year-old has repeatedly stated that he believes he can continue playing at the highest level for at least another two years. Vieirinha, when rejoining PAOK for his second stint at the club, had revealed that he wanted to end his playing career with the Dikefalos tou Vorra.
“No one has promised me that I will stay here forever,” said Vieirinha in a recent interview. “This is football, and I accept that. However, everyone knows what I want, I have made my desire very clear. I came to Thessaloniki to end my career here. I’m in no hurry.”
No movement on Mauricio’s contractual situation
Jose Mauricio’s return to action has brought him back into the thoughts of PAOK’s administration following a long spell out of football due to a serious injury. It is believed that discussions between PAOK and Mauricio’s representatives had been postponed, until Mauricio returned to competitive action. Mauricio, still an important part of this PAOK team, has a strong relationship with the Savvidis family, something which suggests the Brazilian midfielder will eventually pen a new deal with the organisation.
Leo Matos set to trigger a one-year contract extension
The contract of Leo Matos, the first choice PAOK right-back, is due to expire in June after the 2019/2020 campaign reaches its completion. Nevertheless, Matos does have a unique clause in his contract, which will automatically extend his PAOK deal until the summer of 2021 if he makes at least 25 appearances in the current season.
So far, the 33-year-old has competed in a grand total of 16 games this season the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and Super League, meaning he is indeed on track to hit the 25-appearance mark. Matos has been on PAOK’s books since 2016 when he arrived from Ukrainian side Dnipro.
