Oikonomou moves to AEK on loan deal from Bologna
 

In need of strengthening the squad, AEK Athens confirmed the arrival of Marios Oikonomou on Thursday, signing the defender on a loan deal from Italian club Bologna.

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During the previous season, Oikonomou started out on loan at SPAL, but he soon moved to Serie B outfit Bari in January for the remainder of the campaign. With Oikonomou out of favour at parent club Bologna, AEK decided to seize the opportunity, taking the 25-year old centre-back on loan for the 2018/2019 season with a purchase option next summer. AEK confirmed the transfer on their official website:

“AEK FC announces the agreement with Bologna and Marios Oikonomou for a one-year loan with the right to purchase the player in June 2019.”

Further on in the article, Oikonomou spoke of his happiness at returning to his homeland: “I am very happy to travel back to Greece and play for AEK, the Greek champions. I want to return to a high level and play a full season. The prospect of playing in the UEFA Champions League excites me, I am looking forward to working with the team. I know that AEK already have great defenders, but I’m not afraid of competition. We will work together to achieve AEK’s goals.”

Oikonomou will wear the number four on his back, most recently occupied by Bosnian Ognjen Vranjes.
 

Born in Ioannina, Oikonomou began his career with hometown club PAS Giannina, moving to Italy with Cagliari in 2013. A year later, he transferred to Bologna, making 74 appearances for the team. However, he was sent on loan to SPAL in summer 2017, only playing in a handful of games. In January 2018, Oikonomou was given to Bari as a loanee, competing in a mere three Serie B matches. Oikonomou has participated in five fixtures with the senior Greek national team.
 

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: sportfm.gr

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