Sastre's PAOK exit confirmed after four years
Joan Sastre is gone. PAOK announced Friday the right-back has officially left the club after four seasons, 119 appearances, and the 2023–2024 Super League title (1) (3) (4). "Thank you, Joan," the club wrote in its farewell message (3).
A steady presence through high-pressure moments, Sastre departs as the Lisi era begins in Thessaloniki.
El Kaddouri back in Thessaloniki for a new role
Omar El Kaddouri is in the city and close to a PAOK return, not as a player but in a different capacity (5). The Moroccan spent several seasons with the club and knows the environment inside out. Details on the role remain thin, but the reunion is imminent.
Get the next PAOK brief by email
This article went out to subscribers as a brief. Get the next one straight to your inbox, free.
Free · No spam · Unsubscribe anytime
Elustondo's arrival triggers next transfer moves
With Elustondo now through the door, reporter Thodoris Chastas says more PAOK transfer activity is on the way (2). The club is expected to move quickly as sporting director Leo Matos and new coach Alessio Lisi shape the squad.
Portuguese press: PAOK want Benfica's Varela
PAOK are attempting to sign Gustavo Varela from Benfica, according to Portuguese outlet A Bola (6). No fee or contract detail yet, just a name and a direction of travel worth watching.
Fan reactions
PAOK fans are already looking beyond the dugout changes and onto the European stage. One supporter on Reddit opened a thread asking what the community expects from the club's EuroCup prospects in the years ahead, a conversation that captures the mood around Lisi's arrival and the opportunity to reset.