2019/2020 Winter Transfer Window Overview

2019/20 Winter Transfer Window Overview

Written by Michael

The winter transfer window slammed shut for the 2019/20 football season. This window witnessed a host of Super League clubs reinforce their squads, with some players making big moves. We also witnessed our Greeks abroad getting involved in the transfer market too and made interesting moves to continue their careers. I will first provide overviews the Super League clubs then mention our Greeks abroad.

Just before I commence the overview, I will begin to mention a transfer that made headlines mid-window. Football League (3rd Tier) witnessed Athens-based club Egaleo come in contact with former AEK Athens striker Ismael Blanco. And indeed, the unexpected happened. The 37 year old Argentine arrived in Greece after 11 years and officially joined Egaleo and is now plying his trade in Greece’s 3rd Division!

Now, let’s begin!

AEK Athens

Arrivals: Ziga Laci, Damian Szymanski (Loan), Sergio Araujo (Loan)

Departures: Milos Deletic (Loan), Chico Geraldes, Eric Moran, Giorgos Kornezos (Loan), Christos Giousis (Loan), Paris Babis (Loan)

We first view AEK Athens. It must be noted the club’s priority was to sign a centre-back and the first name that came into fruition was Federico Barba, but contacts had eventually stalled, so AEK found other options, sighting young Slovenian Ziga Laci. The Enosi paid 400,000 euros to buy the defender from NS Mura, though the club have not officially announced the transfer, but the 17 year old signed his contract and is training. AEK also bolstered the midfield signing Polish international Damian Szymanski borrowed from Akhmat Grozny. And to be fair, a very good pickup from the Enosi. Furthermore, Deletic is loaned out to Asteras Tripolis and Geraldes finally returned to Sporting Lisbon after failing to impress. Finally, the big transfer! Sergio Araujo - ‘EL CHINO’ - arrived with much fanfare as he returned to the club for the third time on loan, with the deal including an option to buy for AEK. A top signing made on Deadline Day and we’ll see the Araujo-Livaja strike force in action again since the 17/18 Championship winning season.

AEL

Arrivals:  Thanassis Papazoglou, Mateo Muzek, Dimitris Loufakis, Theocharis Iliadis, Vinicius, Gergely Nagy, Ali Ghazal, Giannis Masouras (Loan), Svetozar Markovic (Loan)

Departures: Milos Filipovic, Abiola Dauda, Evgeny Shikavka, Fation Andoni, Evripidis Giakos, Borijove Ristic, Bruno Chalkiadakis, Slavko Bralic, Stefan Zivkovic, Gertin Hoxhalli, Alexandros Chalatsis (Loan)

Undoubtedly AEL were the most active in the transfer window totalling 20 transfers, 9 arrivals, whereas 11 players went the opposite way, with most of them not even lasting their full contract. The club signed Papazoglou and claimed he is the solution the team’s goal scoring problems. Not sure if the club made the right choice signing the former Ethniki striker. Anyways, AEL even made the move to sign Egyptian international midfielder Ali Ghazal from Fereinse comes in to cement the defensive midfield role. During the last days of the window, AEL secured loan deals for former right-back Masouras and Markovic from Olympiakos boosting the defence. The club hopes the new signings will help to cement Top 6. At this stage it seems unlikely with the current performances.

Aris

Arrivals: Fiorin Durmishaj

Departures: Alex Menendez

Not much activity with the second biggest club in Thessaloniki. The good news is they rejected an offer of 1.5 million euros from Emirates club Al Wahda to buy Fetfatzidis, one of the standout players for the club this season. However, they were hit with a transfer ban due to unpaid debts that exceed over 1 million euros to former players Diogo Siston, Cristian Portilla and Javier Umbides, plus an agent. This blocked manager Michael Oenning from selecting new recruit Durmishaj for the matchday squads. Thankfully for Aris, the ban has been lifted, for now, but can only sign Greek players until the matter is resolved. Mid-window, Alex Menendez sparked controversy accusing Aris for abusive treatment, claiming he was training alone with poor facilities without the presence of coaches and doctors and showed a video for proof, provided by FIFPro. However, this was not true, as the club posted on their social media the real training facilities at Neo Risio that have been renovated since gaining promotion in 2018. After all the commotion, the left-back was dismissed. Only one signing was made, could've been more until they were imposed a transfer ban. I believe with the current squad, Aris will cruise to finish comfortably in the Top 6.

Asteras Tripolis

Arrivals: Milos Deletic

Departures:

The Arcadians had stated at the beginning of the transfer window that they will not make any reinforcements. It was until Deadline Day they announced Serbian winger Milos Deletic on loan from AEK. In other news, loanee Giorgos Kyriakopoulos is doing fantastically well in Italy for Sassuolo. The Serie A side said they are ready to secure him permanently, though that has not yet proceeded. We may see towards the end of the season if they activate the purchase option.

Atromitos

Arrivals: Azer Busuladzic, Nill De Pauw

Departures: Nikos Lazaridis, Giorgos Lolos, Antonis Trimmatis (Loan), Farley Rosa, Dimitris Tsatsopoulos, Roland Ugrai

Only reinforcements in midfield were formalised by Atromitos with the return of Busuladzic and the signing of Belgian winger De Pauw. Brazilian midfielder Farley Rosa granted his release and shockingly Ugrai departed the club. Meanwhile, youngsters Lazaridis, Lolos and Trimmatis (on a loan) are now with Ethnikos Piraeus. Lastly, Tsatsopoulos was released and remains without a club. Atromitos are hoping their latest recruitments will ensure they cement Top 6.

Volos NFC

Arrivals: Nacho Cases (Loan), Liassine Cadamuro, Vangelis Oikonomou, Iker Guarrotxena

Departures: Giannis Mistakidis, Yahia Attiyat Allah, Giorgos Kornezos, Konstantinos Iliopoulos, Sebastien Bassong

Some decent players have joined the newcomers, with the standout transfer being Nacho Cases arriving from Cyprus joining on loan from AEK Larnaca. Guarrotxena bolsters the Thessalian’s attack and Algerian defender Cadamuro joined on a free transfer, the same for experienced defender Oikonomou after earning his release from Panathinaikos. Meanwhile, summer signings Bassong and Mystakidis did not even last until January and were released. However,  Iliopoulos joined Kalamata after his influential two seasons that earned the club winning back-to-back promotions since their inception in 2017. Is top 6 possible? They have dipped in form and I can't see them climb any higher on the ladder. The departure of Spanish manager Ferrando is a huge loss for Volos.

PAS Lamia

Arrivals: Miguel Bianconi, Leonardo Villalba, Ibrahima Niass, Devis Epassy

Departures: Rogerio Thuram, Markos Vellidis, Dimitris Anakoglou, Alexandros Karagiannis, Vasilis Kostikas, Lucas Ramos, Asterios Oikonomikos

Lamia have done what they needed to do, reinforce the squad and chase after Top 6. The loss of Thuram to Konyaspor came to a surprise, top scorer for the team this season joined the Turkish side and was just starting to pick up form. Lamia signed Bianconi from Platanias to fill in the vacancy of his fellow compatriot. The club also signed former Panionios player Leonardo Villalba from Central Cordoba, and also unveiled the signings of former Levadiakos players Ibrahima Niass and Devis Epassy. Furthermore, Markos Vellidis was released in October and signed for Olympiakos Nicosia this window after a successful trial. Meanwhile, the club ended cooperation with a few other players that were deadwood. Improvements made in specific departments of the squad. Is it enough to ensure Top 6? We will see.

Xanthi

Arrivals: Jorge Cassado, Matias Castro

Departures: Lucas Poletto (Loan), Pablo De Lucas

The Akrites for the most part believe they have the squad to achieve Top 6. The club only made two extra additions to the team with Matias Castro and Jorge Cassado marking their returns for the second time. Summer signing Lucas Poletto joined Levadiakos on loan for the remainder of the current season and midfielder Pablo De Luca continues his career with FC Voluntari in Romania. Apart from this minimum activity, Xanthi for the most part remained silent this window.

Olympiakos

Arrivals: Nikola Cumic, Ioannis Kosti, Ahmed Hassan, Cafu, Emre Mor

Departures: Nikola Cumic (Loan), Nemanja Nikolic (Loan), Ioannis Kosti (Loan), Fiorin Durmishaj, Alexandros Voilis (Loan), Yassine Benzia, Daniel Podence, Leonardo Koutris (Loan), Yassin Meriah (Loan), Miguel Angel Guerrero (Loan), Giannis Masouras (Loan), Svetozar Markovic (Loan)

The standout transfer is the sale of Portuguese international Daniel Podence to Wolves. The confirmed fee is 19.6 million euros, so therefore did not break the record fee in Greek Football. The club replaced him on Deadline Day with the signing of Turkish winger Emre Mor on loan from Celta Vigo. Not quite sure if he is the right player considering his attitude problems shown at previous clubs. Koutris finally departed the club for RCD Mallorca on loan amid speculation from Napoli. Meriah also left and secured a six month loan with Turkish club Kasimpasa. What is very odd is they did not pick up replacements for left-back and centre-back, which could harm their Super League, European and Cup campaigns. Ahmed Hassan finally earned his move back to Piraeus from Braga, returns for the second time, which forced Guerrero being loaned to former club Leganes. Youngsters Masouras and Markovic will be playing for AEL on loan for the rest of the season, while Benzia returned back to LOSC Lille after disappointing performances. Lastly, Portuguese midfielder Cafu joined the club on Deadline Day as an extra addition to the midfield from Legia Warsaw. We will see if the new signings can bring success to Olympiakos, who will be prepared to face Arsenal in the Europa League Round of 32, also searching for the first league title in 3 seasons and the Greek Cup in 5 years!

OFI Crete

Arrivals: Joao Victor, Nikos Vafeas

Departures:

A rather quiet window for the Cretans and only made just two acquisitions with the signings of Brazilian midfielder Joao Victor and young defender Nikos Vafeas returning to the club for a second stint, this time permanently from Apollon Smyrni. Simos is happy with the current squad and never intended to overhaul it. Despite an inconsistent season, OFI are on the edge of finishing Top 6. It would be a great achievement for manager Simos and the club.

Panathinaikos

Arrivals: Anuar Tuhami (Loan), Dominik Nagy (Loan), Yassin Ayoub, Carlitos

Departures: Anthony Mounier, Vangelis Oikonomou, Fanis Tzandaris, Nikos Vergos (Loan), Yohan Mollo, Christos Sechou (Loan), Panos Armenakas, Fanis Mavrommatis, Fausto Tienza (Loan)

First transfer window under new Technical Director, Xavi Roca. The Spaniard applied the magic coming in contact with several players from Spain, and managed to grab Anuar Tuhami from Real Valladolid. The Moroccan has played remarkably well for the Greens since joining, it is exactly what Donis need for the defensive midfield and it’s paying off. Dominik Nagy also joined on loan from Legia Warsaw to provide extra creativity from the midfield. Furthermore, Roca came in contact with Feyenoord midfielder Yassin Ayoub. Extraordinarily, the Moroccan terminated his contract with the Dutch club and signed a long-term deal with Panathinaikos. Lastly, the Greens signed Spanish striker Carlitos but will start registering games next season since he has already played for two clubs this season. As for the departures, Vergos and Fausto moved to Spanish club Heracles and Tarragona on loan deals whereas Mavrommatis joined Denmark’s 1st Division with SönderjyskE, and the ‘super deal’ with youth player Christos Sechou, going out on loan to Bologna that includes a 1.7 million euro purchase option to activate. Yohan Mollo, who’s not counted by Donis, returned to France with US Orleans and Mounier, Oikonomou, Tzandaris and Australian winger Armenakas were dismissed from the club. Witnessing Panathinaikos movement in the transfer market, they have made incredible signings that will surely provide the Greens assistance to ensure Top 6.

Panetolikos

Arrivals: Kevin Garcia, Anthony Mounier, Juan Ignacio Alvarez (Loan), Abiola Dauda, Manolis Tzanakakis, Farley Rosa, Jesus Fernandez (Loan)

Departures: Vlad Morar, Joan Roman, Luciano Balbi, Alhassan Kamara, Pierre Sagna, Igor Jovanovic, Bakadimas (Loan), Belevonis (Loan)

Another busy club this transfer window, it is relegation battlers hailing from Agrinio. With the reinforcements they have completed Panetolikos are on a mission to survive relegation, and with the new signings playing superbly well, you can guarantee they will be pulling away from rock-bottom Panionios. Several players departed and did not meet the club’s expectations, although the young guns Bakadimas and Belevonis joined AE Mesolongiou on loan for game time. Nonetheless, the new signings are starting to produce and will fight hard for every game in what has been an extremely tough campaign for Panetolikos under Makis Chavos.

Panionios

Arrivals:

Departures: Giannis Maniatis, Giannis Masouras 

It must be noted Panionios were imposed a transfer embargo along with the -6 points deduction. All reports showed the club signed free agent Tzandaris and highly talented striker Tasos Douvikas from Asteras Tripolis. However, the transfers did not proceed and eventually cancelled. Experienced midfielder Giannis Maniatis departed the club earlier in the season due to internal conflict within the club, whereas Masouras’ loan was suspended and returned to Olympiakos. Sitting in last position, there is a very slim chance for Panionios surviving relegation. So far, they have endured perhaps the most extremely difficult top flight campaign the club has experienced in its history. The only movement Panionios did during the window was promoting Christos Retsos to the first team. He is the younger brother of Panagiotis Retsos.

PAOK

Arrivals:

Departures: Giannis Mistakidis, Rodrigo Rey (Loan), Antonis Gaitanidis (Loan)

An almost silent window from the reigning champions. The transfer window witnessed PAOK releasing Mystakidis and afterwards joined De Graafschap of the Netherlands. Goalkeeper Rodrigo Rey remains out on loan, but exchanged clubs and joined Godoy Cruz from Pachuca. In the last days of the window, PAOK sent out highly talented striker Gaitanidis to Super League 2 side Apollon Smyrni in search for regular game time. Moving further on, PAOK targeted Portuguese left back Rafa Soares from Vitoria Sport Clube, reportedly reached an agreement but the move never happened as the player transferred to Spanish club Eibar.On Deadline Day, the club received an offer from Austrian club Sturm Graz to loan in Enea Mihaj, and was immediately rejected due to Spanish defender Crespo out injured. Here is an interesting fact – this is the first time since 1986 that PAOK did not recruit! It will be very interesting to see if PAOK can hold their ground to defend their reign without reinforcing the squad.

GREEKS ABROAD

Dinos Mavropanos - recovered from a long term injury earlier in the season, the young Arsenal centre back has struggled for game time. New manager Mikel Arteta clearly wasn't counting on him, and earned a loan move to FC Nürnburg in the 2. Bundesliga. Competitive league and hopefully Dino stays fit and racks up good performances that could potentially see Ethniki boss John Van't Schip calling him up.

Dimitris Hatziisaias - the former PAOK, Panionios and Atromitos player has been struggling in Turkey since he moved over to Caykur Rizespor last summer. Belgian club Cercle Brugge came calling and signed the 27 year old on loan. The club was also after his former teammate Spiros Risvanis from Atromitos.

Savvas Gentsoglou - AEK fans certainly remember the midfielder breaking into the first team in 2006. He's only 29 years old, unbelievable. Nowadays he has become a journeyman and you'll now find him in Saudi Arabia with Al Adalah after departing the biggest club in Cyprus, APOEL.

Vasilis Lampropoulos - the current Ethniki defender has been played great over in Spain's 2nd Division with Deportivo La Coruna. However, there has been managerial change and lost his spot in the starting 11. The Spaniards loaned him out to Germany, where he joined VfL Bochum in the 2. Bundesliga.

Panagiotis Retsos - It was reported last November that Bayer Leverkusen will send the young versatile defender out on loan. And he got his move... to the Premier League! He joined newcomers Sheffield United on a six month loan deal. This is a great opportunity for Retsos to prove his defensive abilities in the best league in the world. He hasn't benefited much over in Germany where injuries took over him and harmed his playing time. Retsos will be accompanied by George Baldock, who is in contention for a Ethniki call up due to his Grandmother being Greek. Let's see if Retsos teaches the right back the Greek language and get him ready for the national team. :D

Stefanos 'Klaus' Athanasiadis - Unfortunately the former PAOK and PAS Giannina striker failed his trial with Russian club FC Krylia Sovetov. Therefore he remains a free agent. Best choice for him is to continue playing in Greece.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos - I couldn't believe it myself that he was off to China. Indeed, he accepted an invitation from Shanghai Shenhua and joined the team on the Chinese island of Haikou and showed positive signs during his trial. It came with unfortunate news, Shenhua dropped their interest and he travelled back to Europe. New reports suggested he was off to Russia with Dynamo Moscow. We informed the audience that his move to the Russian club failed, the reports claimed this. Until, a new report was released stating the 27 year old is in Russia but potentially signing for FC Krylia Sovetov. The same club that was after Athanasiadis! A case of mistaken identity! Anyways, it is sad to see Papadopoulos barely featuring in competitive games for 2 years and every Greek Football fan would love to see him back on the pitch.

That wraps up the overview of the 2019/20 Winter Transfer Window!