Ideye joins former Aris “Bam” striker signings

Brown Ideye joins former Aris “bam” striker signings, some of which went onto become heroes, as others struggled. AGONAsport’s Nick Tsambouniaris takes a closer look.

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After a tremendous first season back in Greece’s top flight which led to a spot in the qualifying rounds of the UEFA Europa League, Aris have bolstered their squad by luring the experienced Nigerian striker Brown Ideye back to Greece to wear the yellow and black in Thessaloniki. He has big footsteps to follow as Aris have a history of signing high-impact forwards that have made a difference, but it has not worked out for all of them.

Here is a throwback to the former Aris strikers that have graced the Kleanthis Vikelidis stadium.

Marcio Amoroso

The Brazilian international striker was undoubtedly one of the biggest signings made by the club and arrived with a resume full of goals. Aris fans flocked in their thousands to the Macedonia Airport to greet their new arrival in the winter of 2008, but it never worked out for him in Thessaloniki.

In fact, he only made 12 appearances and scored two goals. He failed to live up to the hype that saw him score 42 goals in 105 games for Udinese, 43 goals and 13 assists in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, and 18 goals in 52 games for Parma. He also played for AC Milan and Malaga, but was at the tail end of his career by the time he got to Aris.

Sebastian Abreu

The enigmatic Uruguayan nicknamed “El Loco” arrived to the Macedonia Airport to much fanfare but ultimately was another who underwhelmed. The journeyman striker is known worldwide for his enthusiasm and passion and came with a big reputation after starring for Uruguay in the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Prior to joining Aris, he scored 11 goals in 18 appearances for Real Sociedad. He left after a short spell of five goals in 9 matches as he could not make the first team. His short stay made big money for the club in terms of shirt sales. Ironically, shortly after he left, he scored the decisive penalty that sent Uruguay to the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Sergio Koke

The Spaniard came to Aris with the intention of staying. Not only did he do that, he went on to become an Aris great and is still adored by the fans. Ironically, he scored a respectable 10 league goals in a newly-promoted side that finished fourth (they finished fifth as a newly promoted side last season). He took his game from Malaga, Sporting Lisbon, and Marseille to a new level at Aris and found a home.

He rode the highs and lows en route to becoming adored with his 39 goals and 25 assists in 175 matches (2006-2011). He returned to the club he loves in 2015-16 to end his career.

Nery Castillo

The respected Mexican international striker, well-known to Greek football fans due to his time at Olympiacos, came to Aris initially on loan from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2011. He made the move permanent and spent a further season and ended his Aris stint with nine goals in 32 appearances. He brought a wealth of experience at a time when Aris needed it and offered versatility by being able to play out wide, as well as centrally.

Rafik Djebbour

The Algerian international forward came to Aris in the twilight of his career so naturally expectations were tempered, but he still could have offered an element of experience to younger players in the Football League. He previously played in Greece for Ethnikos Asteras, Atromitos, Panionios, AEK, and Olympiacos.

However, it never worked out as he had an argument with the club’s fans during a match. He left after playing 161 minutes across five matches.

Raul Bobadilla

The Argentine-born, Paraguayan international came to Thessaloniki in the winter 2011 as a loan signing and that is how it ended. His loan spell was not extended and he ended his stay with two goals in seven games. Only two years before joining, Borussia Monchenglabach paid 4.5 million euros for him. Aris fans never saw the best of him, but the then 24-year-old went on to have successful stints at Young Boys and Augsburg.

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