Departures and renewals the priority at Panathinaikos



Summer of uncertainty continues at Panathinaikos as departures of unwanted high wage earners becomes the priority.

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TRANSFERS

It still remains quiet on the transfer front for Panathinaikos. The small budget will hinder Giorgos Donis and Nikos Dabizas in the transfer market. This has already caused a delay in terms of incomings, as it is highly unlikely the club will make a move for one or two players before the middle of June.

The priority for the Greens at this stage is to determine exactly how much Dabizas will be able to spend. This depends on the funds from several departures such as Anthony Mounier, Omri Altman, and Vangelis Oikonomou, all of who were on relatively high wages. It will not be easy for Mounier and Altman to find new clubs due to their high wages, however, any funds saved from these departures will be put towards new signings. Ousmane Coulibaly and Ergys Kace have moved on and this has reportedly given the Greens another 600,000-700,000 euros to spend.

The bulk of the transfers will take place later in the transfer window in August, just as the season begins. This will mean new faces will not have time to adjust to the new surroundings and settle in. This is the unfortunate position the club finds itself in, but it will be a time when players will become more affordable.

Giannis Alafouzos has made it clear to Donis and Dabizas that they have a two million euro budget (a far cry from the 22 million euro budget only a few summers ago). Others tipped to move out on loan or permanently to free up further funds are Nikos Vergos, Fanis Tzandaris, Epaminondas Pantelakis, and Mark Sifneos.

THE FUTURE OF CHATZIGIOVANNIS

Young winger Tasos Chatzigiovannis has turned into one of the most prized assets for the Trifylli. The youngster, who progressed through the club’s academies, enjoyed a breakout season in 2018-19, despite some inconsistencies and a late season fade-out. He has been around the first team set up for some time, and after his great start last season where he showcased his creativity and skill, he has attracted interest from overseas clubs.

He is undoubtedly one of the best players in the squad and can make a difference, but according to recent reports, his manager is looking at offers from abroad. Rumoured offers are set to be in the region of 1.5 million euros.

The Greens are expected to reject anything less than this, but if an overseas club comes knocking with a big offer, knowing the bleak financial situation at Panathinaikos, the club may be tempted to cash in. It is also worth noting, he is out of contract next summer, and if he does not sign a new deal, he could potentially leave for free. The most important factor in any move away from Greece is the player’s ‘want’ to do so.

DEPARTURES

Departures are the main objective for the Trifylli at this stage. In fact, potential departures will assist in transfers later this transfer window as funds are freed up. Dabizas is targeting a trio of players to make this possible - Mounier, Altman and Oikonomou. All three have one thing in common, as their respective contracts all exceed 150,000 euros.

None of the aforementioned trio are in Donis’ plans moving forward and are among the highest earners at the club. From the club’s perspective it is unfortunate in the sense that they are not off contract this summer, meaning that it will be harder to move them on and free up funds for new signings.

Dabizas also made it clear that should anyone not in Donis’ plans actively seek a release, they will not be allowed to train with the first team. He confirmed this by stating “last season we respected everyone and drew conclusions, now we expect that from the opposite side to show professionalism and an understanding of the situation.”

It is worth noting that Mounier’s contract is 400,000 euros, Altman’s is 200,000, and Oikonomou’s is 150,000 euros.

RENEWALS

Dabizas is actively seeking to improve the squad from last season, and a major part of doing this is keeping the best performers together. Dimitris Kolovetsios was the first to sign a new contract earlier this year, and now moves are being made to tie down a series of others.

Dabizas spoke to those not in Donis’ plans and also those who are being targeted to stay long-term. In terms of contract extensions, a list of five players are the priority - Tasos Chatzigiovannis, Fanis Mavromatis, Emanuel Insua, Giannis Bouzoukis, and Vangelis Theocharis.

All cases differ and the club is looking to keep them for various reasons. Most have risen through the ranks at the club, know what it means to wear the shirt, and offer a great sell on value later down the track should they really take their respective careers to new levels. However, Insua for instance, is at his peak and has emerged as a leader in a young squad. The case of Chatzigiovannis will not be as straightforward as attracted overseas attention.