Paulinho travelling to Athens ahead of AEK transfer
Paulinho travelling to Athens ahead of AEK transfer
Portuguese right-back Paulinho is allegedly travelling to Athens ahead of a proposed AEK transfer, while goalkeeper Makis Giannikoglou has been released.
This afternoon, reports in the media revealed that Paulinho is set to arrive in Athens tonight in order to sign a contract with AEK. The 27-year-old defender has been playing his football with Chaves since 2017, but he was released from the Portuguese club this summer. Newly appointed AEK boss, Miguel Cardoso, knows Paulinho from their time together in the FC Porto academy and has sanctioned the transfer.
AEK are aiming to sign Paulinho as a direct replacement for Rodrigo Galo, who recently left the Kitrinomavri upon the completion of his contract. Paulinho will provide competition for Michalis Bakakis on the right side of defence.
In the 2018/2019 season, Paulinho made 25 appearances for Chaves across all competitions in Portugal, contributing with one assist. Paulinho racked up 1,871 minutes of action in the Liga NOS as Chaves suffered relegation to the second tier.
As a senior player, the Portuguese full-back has been on the books of Leixões, Moreirense, União Madeira, Braga and Chaves. This will be the first time in his career when Paulinho has played outside of his native Portugal.
Transfermarkt rates his value at one million euros.
GIANNIKOGLOU LEAVES AEK
Goalkeeper Makis Giannikoglou has officially left AEK just one season after joining the Athenian club.
Last summer, Giannikoglou penned a three-year deal with AEK, but the 26-year-old didn’t play in a single match during the 2018/2019 season. Giannikoglou, 26, was the third-choice goalkeeper behind Vasilis Barkas and Panagiotis Tsintotas and never received a chance to showcase his abilities.
AEK confirmed his departure with this following statement:
“AEK FC announces the termination of the contract with goalkeeper Makis Giannikoglou, while thanking him for his presence in the team in the 2018/2019 season and wishing him luck for the future.”
Image Source: to10.gr
Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!