PAOK looking to rejuvenate squad over the summer
PAOK have begun planning for the 2020/21 campaign after what looks to be a failed title defence this season. AGONAsport’s Athan Stylos takes a look at the potential changes that could occur at the club this summer.
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Offloading older players
PAOK officials are currently working on bringing the average age of the current squad down, while uncertainty remains around the futures of both manager Abel Ferreira and sporting director Mario Branco.
PAOK will look to offload their older players from the squad, the same players that helped the club win their drought-breaking league championship last season along with their third consecutive Greek Cup title. The goal of PAOK’s administration is to reduce the average age of the roster, cutting it well below the age of 30.
The administration believes that many of the players that helped the club through its dominant period are past their career-best form and will now look to rejuvenate the squad with younger talent. This will assist the club in achieving sustained success in the years to come.
Two veteran players expected to survive the cut are experienced duo Adre Vieirinha and Mauricio. Both will be summoned to sign contract extensions with the club. There were reports that Mauricio was contacted by former PAOK manager, Razvan Lucescu, in an attempt to bring the Brazilian midfielder to Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. However, no other developments have surfaced regarding these initial rumors.
The future of Abel Ferreira
The future of head coach Abel Ferreira is currently unclear. The Portuguese technician failed to help the club defend its domestic championship, however, the administration will wait and assess Ferreira's performance throughout the Super League playoffs, as well as the completion of the Greek Cup, before deciding on his future.
PAOK reportedly paid two million euros to acquire Ferreira's services from Portuguese outfit Braga in June. He has two years remaining on his contract following the conclusion of this campaign. It is reported that Ferreira received an offer from Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon, who he played for and began his coaching career by coaching their youth program.
PAOK's sporting director Mario Branco's future is unclear, with reports stating that the director could move on from the club.
Investing in the youth, Selling top prospects
PAOK are expected to invest in their youth academy and promote standout performers from the under 19’s team to the senior squad. The Dikefalos tou Vorra believe that some youngsters are ready to make the jump up to senior football, following the outstanding success and achievements of the under 19’s team under Pablo Garcia.
The PAOK U19s recently clinched their third consecutive U19 Super League title with an undefeated record for a second straight season.
With PAOK in trouble of violating the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, the club will be restricted in this summer’s transfer market. Due to the FFP, PAOK could be forced to sell their young prospects, including Dimitris Limnios and Dimitris Giannoulis, to bring in much needed funding to the club. This is another reason why the club will invest more in their young players from the academy in the upcoming offseason.
