New Optimism for Pan Asia Takeover After Positive Developments

Thai entrepreneur Pairoj Piempongsant was in Athens once again this week to meet Giannis Alafouzos for a fresh round of talks in relation to acquiring Panathinaikos FC. In addition to this, he also met with his associates for his other business matters in Greece.

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These talks went well and a new date has been set for the completion of the takeover. It is expected to happen in late August - about the same time as the new season kicks off. Club management expressed its optimism that the transfer of shares will be completed in the short-term. This also comes from Alafouzos and the Greek Government. Piempongsant met with the Government in relation to other investment plans he has in Greece.

Since there is no specific set date for the takeover, Panathinaikos will not increase its budget for the signing of the foreign centre forward it will sign. Club management has reiterated 400,000-500,000 Euro has been set aside to buy a striker. The only way Piempongsant contributes to this budget to see an increase, is if the transfer of shares have been completed and he is the majority owner. This looks unlikely as the Nikos Dabizas and Giorgos Donis want to complete this signing before the season starts.

SORLOTH LINKED WITH PANATHINAIKOS

In the meantime, a new name has been linked with a move to the Greens. Reports during the week indicated that the club was examining the possibility of luring Norwegian international Alexander Sorloth of Crystal Palace. The South London outfit signed the tall striker in January for a reported fee of 9 million Pound, however, he does not appear to be in the plans of Roy Hodgson moving forward. The English transfer window has ended but the Trifylli can still make a play to sign him on loan. This bodes well as it is unlikely the Premier League club would be willing to cut their losses and release him so early. Dabizas has connections in the English market and more players are expected to be examined.

MUCH NEEDED FUNDS FROM TV DEAL

In positive news, the club will receive a much needed injection of funds stemming from the new TV rights deal that the Government managed to secure with ERT. The Greens will receive 4.2 million Euro. It is expected that the entire amount will go towards the team’s budget for the upcoming season and this will be enough to cover all of the demands. On top of this, a 2 million Euro sponsorship deal was struck with OPAP. This means that situations that occurred last season where there were shortfalls in the budget will be avoided.

MORE TRANSFER NEWS

In transfer news, the Greens have officially signed Epaminondas Pantelakis. The 23 year old defender signed a 3 year deal, following his release from Olympiakos. He impressed during his loan spells at Kissamikos over the last few seasons where he scored 6 goals in 67 appearances. He will provide cover in the centre back department.

Fotis Kezos has arrived on trial and joined the squad for preseason training. The former Cyprus youth international impressed in the Cypriot League for Ermis Aradippou for Championship club Leeds United to bring him into their U23 setup. If he impresses during his trial, Donis is expected to offer him a contract.

INSUA STAYING PUT

The future of Emanuel Insua has also been sorted. The Argentinean fullback was the subject of a bid from Las Palmas and appeared to be keen on departing the Greens. However, he has since met with the club and was informed he would not be sold as the 1.5 million Euro valuation was not matched. Panathinaikos never wanted to lose him as the aim is to strengthen, not weaken the squad. Donis told him that he will be an important first team member for the upcoming season. He is expected to start as a left wing back. Insua is happy with this and remains committed to the cause.

FRIENDLY WIN OVER U20s

Finally, a youthful looking Panathinaikos first team defeated the club’s U20 team 5-0 in a behind closed doors friendly. Sotiris-Pantelis Pispas scored a double and looked lively after coming on in the second half.
 

by Nick Tsambouniaris

Image Source: .gr

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