Panathinaikos have officially announced the signing of Levi Garcia, with the club confirming a one-year loan from Spartak Moscow that includes an option to buy. The 28-year-old Trinidad and Tobago international forward returns to Greece after a year and a half in Russia, having previously left his mark playing for AEK.
Technical director Stefanos Kotsolis postponed his trip to Spain for the TransferRoom event so he could coordinate the required moves and contacts between the Russian club and the player's camp from Athens. That effort allowed Panathinaikos to register Garcia on their European list in time, meaning the forward will be available for the coach's plans for the return leg against CSKA 1948.
A race against the deadline
The deadline for up to two extra squad changes expired at 23:59 on Tuesday, August 4, making coordination among everyone involved essential if Panathinaikos were to meet it. Garcia underwent medical examinations on the club's behalf in Russia, with excellent results, and was expected to fly from Moscow to Athens in the early hours of Wednesday, August 5.
The transfer announcement
Panathinaikos FC announced the acquisition of Levi Garcia through a one-year loan from Spartak Moscow, with the agreement including an option to buy. The international forward was born on November 20, 1997, in Santa Flora, Trinidad and Tobago. He began his career at T&TEC SC before playing for Central FC, then moved to Europe in 2016 to join AZ Alkmaar.
With the Dutch club he made 43 appearances, and also played on loan for Excelsior.
Israel, AEK and Russia
In the summer of 2018 he transferred to Ironi Kiryat Shmona, and a year later continued his career at Beitar Jerusalem.
In September 2020 he was signed by AEK, with whom he celebrated winning the championship and the Greek Cup in 2023. With AEK he made 160 appearances in total, scoring 56 goals and providing 27 assists.
In February 2025 he transferred to Spartak Moscow, where he made 48 appearances and won the Russian Cup.
International career
At international level, Garcia is a key member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team, with 54 caps and 12 goals.
The transfer announcement closed with a message from Panathinaikos FC, which said it welcomed Levi to the Panathinaikos family.
