Panathinaikos shift attention to the transfer market
Panathinaikos shift attention to the transfer market as they prepare for a huge cleanout of this season’s roster.
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Possible New Signings
Nikos Dabizas and Giorgos Donis will be able to move more freely in the transfer market, as opposed to last summer where strict signing limitations were placed on the club. However, this will not alter the fact that the former will virtually have an empty wallet to negotiate with as the largest contract expected to be handed out will not exceed 300,000 euros. It also seems unlikely that the club will be able to pay a transfer fee for any player, meaning that moves will either be for free agents or loans.
Priorities have already been set, with Dabizas’ first target being a strong, experienced, and consistent centre back to partner Dimitris Kolovetsios at the heart of defence. The team lacked a solid second option, with Kolovetsios’ partners often rotating.
The Greens will also move for a right back to compensate for the expected departure of Ousmane Coulibaly. Mattias Johansson is the only option at the moment and cannot be expected to play every minute of every game.
A defensive midfielder who is tall, strong, and experienced will be targeted.
A winger that can score goals and create opportunities is a priority as the goals dried up in the second half of this season, and there is no genuine option to start on the opposite wing of Tasos Chatzigiovannis at the moment.
A goal scoring striker is another top priority for the Greens. This player will have different characteristics to those of Federico Macheda, with goals and a killer instinct being the key features.
According to recent reports, a host of new signings are expected to come from abroad due to the fact that Dabizas will be able to sign any player he wants (there is no restriction to signing one foreigner unlike last summer). However, this does not mean Greeks or players from the Super League will not be signed. In fact, early names mentioned are Marios Siampanis, Kosmas Tsilianidis, and Franco Mazurek.
The Trifylli have been long-term admirers of Siampanis of PAOK, and a loan move to Athens has long been touted. On his day, Tsilianidis can trouble anyone in the Super League with his creativity, crosses, and direct running. He had a great season a few years ago when Iraklis were controversially relegated and moved to Asteras Tripolis, however, he has been a bit hit and miss. Mazurek is in career best form for Panetolikos and has attracted an interest from Panathinaikos and Atromitos. Approaching the best years of his career, he can certainly add an element of unpredictability to the Greens attacking ranks.
Certain and Possible Departures
Including Greek Cup matches, Donis used a whopping 31 players this season, and as expected with any struggling team, changes in the roster are aplenty at season’s end. It is no different at Panathinaikos, with several players moving on. Mark Sifneos will not be at the club - he will either move permanently or on loan. Christos Kountouriotis, who left on loan in January, is not tipped to return. This duo were not important players to the squad and as a result, upgrades will be sought.
Key players who are definitely leaving are Anthony Mounier, Vangelis Oikonomou, Ousmane Coulibaly, Theofanis Tzandaris, and Ergys Kace.
Starting with Mounier, it did not go to plan for the Frenchman this season. Injuries have clearly crippled this once talented player. Oikonomou struggled for form and is not in Donis’ plans moving forward. Coulibaly is out of contract and has not signed a new deal. The case of Tzandaris is intriguing as he possesses the ability to be a regular in the team, but for whatever reason he did not earn the trust of Donis. Finally, it does not look like Kace will be given a new deal after his loan expires. This could turn out to be a great move as his current contract is 400,00 euros and this will free up some money to spend on new players.
There are also others who could leave. Overall, it is thought an entire 11 can be made of departing players. Nikos Vergos struggled for form and will probably go out on loan. The same applies with Epaminondas Pantelakis. Konstantinos Kotsaris could head out on loan in order to make way for Siampanis to become the second choice goalkeeper.
The club has made it abundantly clear that it wishes to keep its brightest young stars such as Giannis Bouzoukis and Chatzigiovannis and best players such as Dimitris Kourbelis, but no one knows what the future holds. If a top team, for instance, comes calling a good offer might see one of the club’s leaders depart. However, it does appear likely they will stay.
Special Cases
While it is an almost forgone conclusion that Mounier will depart, there is a very slight chance he could remain at Panathinaikos, however, he would have to take a pay cut in order to stay. The winger genuinely loves the club and he is also well liked. Club management does not want him to go as they see him as a leader and role model for the younger players coming through. However, it remains to be seen whether he is willing to take a pay cut from the 400,000 euros per season he is currently earning.
Even though he was only signed in January, there is a chance Greek-Australian Panos Armenakas leaves. According to recent reports, Donis is not fully convinced that he can make a difference to the team. It should be noted he has only played 38 minutes in the Green shirt this season.
There is also a small chance that Argiris Kampetsis departs. In his first season of men’s football, the talented youngster only scored three goals and notched one assist in 23 appearances. It is thought he is another who has underwhelmed in Donis’ eyes.
First Friendlies Confirmed
Panathinaikos will face Apollon Smyrnis on the 10th of May at 5pm at the club’s Georgios Kalafatis training headquarters. The next friendly will take place on the 16th of May at 5pm against Panionios. The location of this friendly is unknown, Koropi is shaping as the likely destination, but it could be at Nea Smyrni. A third opponent is sought for the 24th of May in what would be the final friendly to round out the 2018-19 season as a whole (including training) and officially put an end to things in terms of contract dates. A trip to Cyprus was rumoured, but the club preferred to remain in Athens.
