Multiple strikers linked with move to Panathinaikos
The only missing piece of the puzzle for Panathinaikos’ offseason is the striker spot. Nikos Dabizas has been working tirelessly all summer to no avail in an attempt to land a solid, experienced, goal-scoring striker as the sole foreign signing that is permitted by the club.
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Many names have been linked but as the window draws to a close it appears former Manchester United man Federico Macheda is the closest to joining. Nikos Karelis, Brown Ideye and Elvir Koljic have also been linked.
The hunt for a forward will go down the wire, with a new name emerging. Icelandic reports have indicated Kolbeinn Sigborsson has emerged as the latest target. The Iceland international striker only missed the FIFA World Cup through injury and is still at Nantes. However, reports in Greece lean towards Macheda being the frontrunner.
Dabizas and Donis know the significance of landing a striker in time. The squad has taken shape but it will not mean anything if there is no reliable finisher to put the ball in the back of the net. The pair are experienced enough to know it will be a long season and a 10-15 goal per season forward is vital.
Whether it be Macheda or anyone else, they must buy into the strong team culture Donis has built on following from previous manager Marinos Ouzounidis, and the playing style implemented by Donis with wide players feeding the target man.
In the background Piempongsant is back in Greece and the optimism is high that the takeover deal will be completed. Should this happen, at least 20 million Euro would be given to Dabizas and Donis to strengthen the team for next season. In terms of season 2018-19, it will be a fun and fulfilling season but with a young team there will be some bad losses and learning curves along the way.
If the team can continue its strong start to the season the -6 would have been wiped away in no time and then breaking into the top 5 can become a more realistic goal. A strong 2018-19 season, with fresh investment from Pan Asia only bodes well for the future.
Remaining grounded and taking it one game at a time will be key but after months and years of turmoil, things may finally start to be looking up.
