Panathinaikos facing difficult summer after pandemic
Panathinaikos are preparing to cut players’ contracts as a consequence of the coronavirus crisis, while an investment in the Votanikos project is set to be made in June.
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The majority of Super League clubs will have to ask their players to take salary cuts as a result of the financial damage suffered because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, while some players are willing to find common ground with the management, others are hoping to exit the organisation during the summer transfer window.
As previously reported on AGONAsport, Giorgos Vagiannidis has already agreed to join Internazionale in Serie A, while full-backs Emanuel Insua and Mattias Johansson are widely expected to leave following their completion of their respective contracts this year. Tasos Chatzigiovanis has also been linked with a transfer to France.
Federico Macheda is reportedly hoping to leave Panathinaikos when the 2019/2020 campaign ends. Since joining the Athenians in September 2018, the Italian forward has managed to successfully get his career back on track, notably scoring 12 goals in the Super League this season. However, after two strong years in Greece, the experienced 28-year-old wants to move to a stronger championship for next season. It remains to be seen if Panathinaikos will receive competent offers for Macheda.
The future of Dominik Nagy (loan return), ,Ghayas Zahid (loan return), Joao Nunes and Uffe Beck is somewhat uncertain, and it does appear likely that Dimitris Kolovetsios will leave considering that Fran Velez is joining on a free transfer from Aris. On the other hand, Dimitris Kourbelis, Giannis Bouzoukis, Sokratis Dioudis, Dimitris Kolovos, Argyris Kolovetsios and Chatzigiovanis are all willing to engage in negotiations concerning a slight reduction in their wages. Panathinaikos will only sell Chatzigiovanis if they receive a big offer for the talented 23-year-old winger.
VOTANIKOS PROJECT SET FOR INVESTMENT
In other news, a report from Sportime has stated that there will be an investment of 200,000 euros in the Votanikos project, with Dimitris Giannakopoulos predicted to confirm that development when giving a press-conference this week.
Giannakopoulos is chairing the PAO Alive initiative.
Alongside a new 50,000 capacity stadium for the football club, there will also be a basketball arena constructed on the same plot of land, meaning that the Panathinaikos organisation will have the one home. Nevertheless, while that is a positive development for Panathinaikos, many fans were upset to learn of plans to demolish the historic Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium in central Athens. Several supporters have called for Panathinaikos to return to the popular, atmospheric venue on Leoforos Alexandras.
The cost of the Votanikos project exceeds 100 million.
