Panathinaikos snatches PAOK’s Christodoulopoulos
Panathinaikos soccer club has completed the transfer of PAOK striker Lazaros Christodou-lopoulos and could be strengthening their front line further with the acquisition of Raffik Djebbour from Panionios. Although not yet officially announced, the Christodoulopoulos move is considered a done deal as both the player and Panathinaikos technical director Costas Antoniou have indicated that all the parties have agreed on the transfer. It has been reported that the Greens will pay more than 2 million euros for the talented forward, who can also play as an attacking midfielder or a winger. The 21-year-old had a good season for PAOK and earned a call-up to Greece’s national team in February, making his debut against the Czech Republic. He has attracted the interest of Liverpool in the past. Panathinaikos are now set to turn their attention toward Panionios striker Raffik Djebbour as the summer overhaul of the team continues, following the increase in share capital that has led to new investors putting money into the club. Djebbour was joint-fourth top scorer in the Super League last season with 14 goals. His performances attracted interest from a number of clubs and it appeared last month that Portuguese giant Benfica had secured the services of the 24-year-old Algerian. He still has two more years left on his contract with Panionios and Panathinaikos are reported to have already made a 2-million-euro bid. Panionios is thought to be seeking 3 million euros. Meanwhile, the Greens’ back line is also set for a boost as Argentinean defender Hernan Pellerano is due to fly in to Greece on Thursday to sign for the Athens club for 3 million euros.
