Mantalos linked with Al Wahda as transfer activity begins

Al Wahda, who are coached by former AEK boss Manolo Jimenez, are reportedly preparing to submit a bid for Petros Mantalos as the winter transfer activity begins.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

Switching coaches two times, AEK have endured a tough first half of the campaign, missing out on the UEFA Europa League group stage and currently trailing Super League leaders PAOK by 12 points in third place. Nevertheless, despite the team’s poor form, AEK captain Mantalos has stood out with his productive play. In 13 appearances, Mantalos has contributed with five goals and seven assists, in turn attracting the interest of Al Wahda in the United Arab Emirates.

Manolo Jimenez, who won the 2017/2018 Super League title as AEK manager, has been the head coach of Al Wahda since October.

“Yes, I would like to sign Mantalos, but the Sheikh will make the final decision,” said Jimenez in an interview with the media.

Mantalos was consistently one of AEK’s best players under the leadership of Jimenez. The AEK contract of the talented 28-year-old attacking midfielder is due to expire in the summer of 2022.

According to reports, Al Wahda are expected to submit a formal bid for Mantalos in the first week of January, with AEK only willing to listen to offers exceeding five million euros. Mantalos’ value is rated at 3.5 million by Transfermarkt.

BARKAS HAPPY AT AEK

Over the course of the past year, goalkeeper Vasilis Barkas has constantly been linked with a move abroad, but the 25-year-old recently revealed that he is happy at AEK:

“I don’t know if I’m ready to play abroad yet, but in any case, I am happy here at AEK,” said Barkas in a conversation with Real News. “We will soon move into our new stadium. I have a contract with my club and I will continue to work hard in order to improve. All of us will do everything to help AEK be in a high position again.”

Barkas, a regular starter for the senior Greek national team, has conceded 12 goals and recorded five clean sheets in 12 Super League matches in the 2019/2020 season. 

BARBA LINK

In recent days, the link with defender Federico Barba has strengthened, as AEK continue to negotiate with Chievo Verona.

At the moment, Barba is playing his football on loan at Real Valladolid in La Liga, but he has failed to make an impression in Spain. Barba has only competed in five league matches.

His agent, Federico Pastorello, confirmed that AEK and Chievo have engaged in talks concerning the availability of Barba. 

Barba, an Italian centre-back, is AEK’s main target of the transfer window as the Kitrinomavri aim to strengthen their somewhat shaky defence. After progressing through the AS Roma ranks as a teenager, the 26-year-old defender has since become a journeyman, playing for six different clubs as a professional footballer. Chievo signed Barba from Sporting Gijon for three million in August 2018.

He is valued at 1.5 million by Transfermarkt.

NEED FOR DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER

Following the long-term injury suffered by Konstantinos Galanopoulos, one of AEK’s most consistent performers, head coach Massimo Carrera has set the target of signing a defensive midfielder in January.

Alongside Galanopoulos, AEK do have Andre Simoes, Anel Sabanadzovic and Nenad Krsticic on their books, but Carrera is eager to add more depth with a testing stretch of games approaching. The Kitrinomavri will have to compete against both PAOK and Olympiacos without Galanopoulos in the coming weeks.

bu Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source:

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!