Jorge Sánchez closing in on Atlas move
Jorge Sánchez looks set to leave. The Mexican right-back has an agreement in principle with Atlas, according to reports out of Greece today (1). No fee has been confirmed yet. Sánchez was one of the few bright spots in a transitional season, losing him now means another hole to fill before the new campaign even starts.
Inside the Lisi deal: a four-hour meeting and a fax to Spain
The deal that brought Alessio Lisi to Thessaloniki did not come together by accident. PAOK's sporting director Leo Matos flew to Italy for a four-hour meeting with the Italian coach a full month ago. Then came the tricky part: Lisi was still under contract at Mirandés, with Osasuna holding a purchase option. PAOK sent a formal fax to Mirandés requesting Lisi's release, got it, and moved fast to close the deal before anyone else could (2).
Lisi lays down the law on day one
Intensity. Possession. Confidence. Lisi addressed the squad Monday and did not waste words (3). "I want a team that dominates the ball and presses relentlessly," he told the players. Several names were missing, Michailidis, Kamara, Meïté, Despodov, Živković, Zafeiris, Sánchez, and Baba all absent, but the message landed with those on the pitch.
Big-4 circling Kyziridis
PAOK are one of four Greek clubs tracking Kyziridis, the Volos striker who turned heads in Scotland this season (4). Olympiacos, AEK, and Panathinaikos are all watching too. Hearts and Celtic have also registered interest, and clubs in Italy are monitoring the situation. The kid has options. PAOK will need to move quickly if they want him.
Fan-reaktioner
The mood on r/PAOK is sharp and skeptical. One fan zeroed in on Savvidis' stated plan to build around young Greek talent and sell quickly for profit, pointing out the owner has been saying this since his first year at the club. Read the full thread here.
