PAOK announced the return of Giannoulis, finalizing an agreement with Germany's Augsburg. The Greek club's representatives had told Augsburg all along that Giannoulis would come back to Thessaloniki, and despite interest from other teams and an initial lack of agreement, they never stopped negotiating. The deal closed once PAOK's offer reached 4 million euros plus bonuses.
Talk of a Savvidis surprise
The Giannoulis deal may not be PAOK's last move of the window. Some in Thessaloniki believe club figure Ivan Savvidis will try to add one more expensive signing as a gift to the team, lifting the mood ahead of the new season. PAOK's football club and Savvidis' circle have said nothing publicly, but some insist a surprise transfer could arrive in the coming weeks, one that would catch rivals off guard as well as fans.
Panathinaikos held again
Panathinaikos were held to a draw by Bulgaria's CSKA 1948, and technical director Kotsolis is still searching for a difference-making central midfielder. Owner Alafouzos is putting significant money into transfers, so finances are not the obstacle; the challenge is finding a player who fits coach Nistrup's plan and raises the team's level, provided Kotsolis' other costly signings prove successful. The draw echoed an earlier one against Hungary's Paksi at the OAKA, with the team showing the same problems both times. Nobody in the club panicked, and there is strong optimism about winning in Sofia and advancing, but the lack of improvement between the two games has drawn notice.
AEK, Aris and Olympiacos
At AEK, the search for a left back continues, and coach Nikolic said he currently counts on Eliasson but that Piero and Fernandes have no future at the club and must leave. Rivalta has yet to find a solution, and interest from some foreign clubs has not tempted the two players, raising the possibility AEK could release them to Greek clubs, with reports linking Aris to both cases. Olympiacos, meanwhile, are still seeking a replacement for Peters, with coach Bartzokas set to make the final call. Foreign reports have named Trenton Watford, released by the Philadelphia 76ers and reportedly weighing a move from the NBA to Europe, though other Euroleague clubs able to offer bigger contracts, including Hapoel Tel Aviv, are also considering him.
