The Greece Blog’s Peter Katsiris provides critical analysis for each of the sixteen clubs that comprise the Greeks Super League, and also dishes his picks for the best, and the worst, from at least a Greek standpoint, of this winter’s transfer window…

There was plenty of speculation about who AEK would buy this winter, but more importantly the main interest was who would buy the club. With the likes of Demis Nikolaidis and Giorgos Kintis stepping down as president in a handful of months, there was a gaping hole in the spot of AEK top dog. That, however, has since been refilled as Nikos Thanopoulos was appointed the third president of the ‘Enosi’ during a season span.

On the transfer front, there was not much activity regarding new players coming – foreshadowing a busy summer of rebuilding. Instead there were several moves featuring players leaving Athens, including high-profile, and highly expensive Greece international Angelos Basinas leaving the OAKA Spyros Louis stadium to join English outfit Portsmouth FC. Some might think the hole left by Basinas’ departure will be costly, but with the mounds of cash – nearly € 2 million – freed up by Basinas’ exit, the move is more than welcoming for AEK Athens.

Other departures include a loan deal for Greek starlet Panagiotis Zorbas, while Edson Ramos Silva was sent to homeland club Mogi Mirim on a permanent deal.

In: Giorgos Tofas (loan return from Anagennisi Karditsas).

Out: Panagiotis Zorbas (loaned to Panaitolikos), Edson Ramos Silva (Mogi Mirim), Angelos Basinas (Portsmouth).

Net Profit: +350.000 €

The transfer window saw several players leave Aris FC, notably former captain Konstantinos Nebegleras and Slovakian shot stopper Marian Kelemen (on loan). While the list of exports is rather hefty for the Thessaloniki club, they did manage to improve their squad by signing former Skoda Xanthi striker and captain Stavros Lambriakos on a free transfer.

Aris’ link-up with Lambriakos might just be one of the better domestic transfers of the winter – meaning between two Greek clubs – as the native of Thessaloniki was a consistent performer for his prior employers. Life comes full circle for Lambriakos, as the 33-year-old originally began his professional career with the Thessaloniki giants.

Other imports include prospects Javier Campora from Jaguares II, and Stivi Frasheri from Aris’ youth ranks.

In: Stavros Lambriakos (Skoda Xanthi), Javier Campora (Jaguares II), Stivi Frasheri (Aris Thessaloniki U-19).

Out: Marco Aurelio (loaned to Panserraikos), Amoroso (Guarani Futebol Clube), Felipe Sanson (loaned to Girona FC), Alejandro Delorte (Deportico Tachira), Konstantinos Nebegleras (Atromitos), Marijan Kelemen (CD Numancia).

Net Profit: +200.000 €

Last year Asteras Tripolis shocked everybody as they grabbed the league by storm during just their first season in the Greek top flight. Just missing out on the playoffs last term, Asteras was expected to be challenging for those elusive playoff spots. It didn’t go to plan, however, in the first half of the season. Instead of fighting in the top-half of the table, Asteras was fending off rivals as the relegation zone gloomed over Tripoli.

A winter shopping spree looks to put those worries to rest, as strategic purchasing of mainly Greek payers has allowed the Arcadian club to open a six-point gap on the relegation zone. The addition of striker Vangelis Kaounos has begun to show its worth, as the former AO Kalamata man has easily adjusted with teammates Lucio Filomeno and Danijel Cesarec. In the midfield, Efstahtios Rokas has been able to make his presence felt from a defensive perspective. Joining the former Beta Ethniki champions from minnows Thrasyvoulos, Rokas has since been a regular in manager Nikos Kostenoglou’s starting eleven.

While many names were added to the pot, several were tipped to leave the Peleponese club; however, rumors appeared to be non-relevant as Jaoud Zairi and Filomeno all remain tied to the Tripoli-based club. Instead, Asteras released a handful of underachievers during the busy winter window, notably striker Martin Kambourov. The Bulgarian joined homeland outfit Levski Sofia, after failing to impose himself on the Asteras line-up.

In: Vangelis Kaounos (Kalamata), Efstathios Rokas (Thrasyvoulos), Giannis Mitseas (Aiolikos Mitilini), Eder (Parana).

Out: Sebastian Adolfo Ereros (loan return to CA Velez Sarsfield) Jorginho (released), Roudolphe Douala (released), Martin Kambourov (Lokomotiv Sofia).

Net Profit: +150.000 €

Ergotelis kicked off its winter spending with a ‘bam’ as they say in Greece. Securing the services of Brazilian midfielder Beto on a free transfer from Swiss side FC Sion, the Cretan club was tipped to rediscover its early-season form with the acquisition of the former Benfica man.

Truth be told, Ergotelis’ fairy tale start to the season has not since been rekindled. Instead the Heraklion-based outfit has struggled to recapture its form, but has still managed to beat Super League titans Panathinaikos for the second time this season.

Like the solitary import, there was only one export leaving Crete. Greek midfielder Dimitrios Grammozis left the largest Greek island for Cypriot title chasers Omonia Nicosia.

In: Beto (FC Sion).

Out: Dimitrios Grammozis (AC Omonia Nicosia).

Net Profit: + 150.000 €

The main talk from the Iraklis camp during the winter transfer window revolved around the sale of marquee striker Michalis Konstantinou. The Cyprus international joined Iraklis in the summer, but his stay at the Kaftanzogleio Stadium was marred by a failure to make an impact like he had done during his original stay with ‘O Gireos’.

There wasn’t much activity that will keep Iraklis from its ambitions, which at this point look like another fight to stay in the Super League. The most notable signing by the ‘Galanoleuki’ is likely Serbian midfielder Aleksandar Vukovic from Polish side Legia Warsaw.

The very short list of imports proves president and owner Antonis Remos is willing to put faith in his club’s youthful core, as well as veterans, to overcome yet another drop zone obstacle this term.

In: Kydon Karlopoulos (Iraklis Thessaloniki U-19), Aleksandar Vukovic (Legia Warsaw), Savvas Exouzidis (RKC Waalwijk).

Out: Grigoris Pitsokos (extended loan to Olympiakos Volou), Giorgos Moschakis (loaned to Thermaikos Thermis), Michalis Konstantinou (AC Omonia Nicosia), Enea Kolici (loaned to
Olympiakos Volou), Dimitrios Aslanidis (loaned to Olympiakos Volou).

Net Profit: + 200.000 €

Larissa might not be challenging to add to their collection of Greek titles, but the ‘Vyssini’ could easily be declared the ‘Champions of the winter transfer market’. Acquiring top talent is not a far-off feat for the one-time Greek Champions, but the impact moves made this winter sees rival clubs desire their splash of cash.

The most prolific signing is likely midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos. After joining English side Hull City a few weeks into the Premier League season, Giannakopoulos failed to make an impact with the newly-promoted club despite pairing with former Bolton trainer and now Hull City manager Phil Brown. It took little time for the former Greece international to make his return to Greece a memorable one, as two late goals last weekend in Crete gave his side a dramatic 2-1 win over OFI.

Other imports include Serbian midfielder Sasa Ilic from Red Bull Salzburg, who joins the ‘Vyssini’ on a six-month loan deal. A former domestic rival of Ilic, and a former memger of the ‘Vyssni’ himself, Turkey’s Tumer Metin returns to the Super League on an identical deal which saw him across the Aegean from Fenerbahce last year.

While Larissa made large splashes in the market my acquiring the trio mentioned, several players left the Alkazar Stadium including Nolberto Solano. The Peru international returned to Peruvian outfit Universitario, while Belgian ace Mbo Mpenza was forced to end his football career due to a severe injury.

In: Sasa Ilic (on loan from Red Bull Salzburg), Stelios Giannakopoulos (Hull City), Tumer Metin (on loan from Fenerbahce SK).

Out: Mbo Mpenza (retired), Alexandros Vergonis (Olympiakos Volos), Andreas Lambropoulos (loaned to Panachaiki Patras), Nolberto Solano (Universitario), Konstantinos Banousis (loaned to Chaidari).

Net Profit: + 150.000 €

Levadeiakos is currently flirting with relegation, but while their state in the Super League is not one to be admired, there was more talk about a particular summer sale than any winter moves.
While four players joined the Levadeia based club this winter, highly rated attacking midfielder Leonardo was the center of rumors linking the Brazilian to either Olympiacos or AEK Athens.

Other than that the rumor mill was inoperable for one of the Super League’s early relegation candidates. The services of Leonardo continue to be put in use by manager Momcilo Vukotic, but the pressure to stay in the Greek top flight will be relieved with the addition of two 24-year-old players.
Armando Alonso joins the Greek minnows form Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa, while Toni Lehtinen makes the move south from Finland, after scoring fifty goals with FC Haka in a five year span.

The lone export saw Anastasios Pastos leave the club after failing to install himself in the starting line-up.

In: Armando Alonso (Deportivo Saprissa), Piotr Piechniak (Polonia Warsaw), Toni Lehtinen (FC Haka), Stefano Napoleoni (Widzew).

Out: Anastasios Pastos (Pierikos).

Net Profit: 0 €

Some of Olympiacos’ plans for the winter transfer market were foiled when Serbian striker was forced to end his career due to heart surgery in Spain. The impactful forward was told if he continued playing, there was a strong chance that he would jeopardize his life – similarly what happened to both his father and his brother.

After nearly a month of speculation as to who Olympiacos would acquire to fill the large gap left by Kovacecvic’s departure, the Greek Champions looked to the English Premier League for the answer. Blackburn Rovers agreed to loan Matt Derbyshire to the Piraeus giants until season’s end, after pursuits for Porto Edgar Farias, and Brazilian Davi failed to follow through.

There were more players leaving the ‘Erythrolefki’, including midfielder Mirnes Sisic, who was released before the Slovenia international signed on at Serbian side Red Star Belgrade. Also released was Lefteris Matsoukas, but the youthful Greek striker has since joined Werder Bremen’s B team.
Spanish fullback Raul Bravo was also allowed to leave the club, but on a loan basis as the former Real Madrid man was sent back to La Liga with relegation battlers CD Numancia.

In: Matt Derbyshire (on loan from Blackburn Rovers)

Out: Darko Kovacevic (retired), Mirnes Sisic (Red Star Belgrade), Lefteris
Matsoukas (Werder Bremen II), Raul Bravo (loaned to CD Numancia).

Net Profit: – 500.000 €

The last few years have seen OFI fight it out to stay alive in the top flight, and not surprisingly, the plot is the same this season. The Cretans have struggled to stay consistent, and rightly find themselves in a bit of a relegation jam.

A managerial change was supposed to be the catalyst to success, or at least a change; however, that has not gone to plan. Add a bit of drought in the financial stream to the woes, and you have OFI on the path for doom.

The winter window was a chance to spend money, very little money, to invest in some talent to save OFI in another attempt to elude the drop zone. But while seven players have newly arrived in Herkalion, the loss of OFI’s leading scorer to Danish side FC Kobenhavn will be felt in the Super League stretch run.

Dame N’Doye was lured away from Greece’s largest island, and his departures is likely to leave a large gap with the ‘Omilo’s’ line-up.

If OFI is to survive in the Super League for at least another season, the Cretans are going to need to start winning some games, and avoid last-minute breakdowns. The Pankritio Stadium will need to become a fortress, and the team will need to be fluent in attack and defense.

In: Frantz Bertin (FC Luzern), Marius Suleap (Gloria Buzau), Paquito (FC Luzern), Juan Bezares (on loan from Cadiz), Mario Lamesic (Sloboda Tuzla), Cornel Flaviu Cornea (FC Vaslui), Ilija Stolica (RAEC Mons),

Out: Gaston Caporale (loan return to La Plata B), Dimitrios Pliagas (Ionikos Nikaia), Dame N’Doye (FC Kobenhavn), Konstantinos Stefanis (Olympiakos Volos), Peter Orosz (released).

Net Profit: + 2.000.000 €

Panthrakikos has been a revelation in its first ever season in the Super League, but if the fairy tale is to continue, and not end prematurely, the Thracians will need to see their winter signings pay off.
Tim Matthys has the skill to be a dynamic front-man for the Komotini club, and so does Spaniard Julian Lopez. They’ve managed to clamp down on many of Greece’s top clubs, but if their success is to continue, a united effort will need to be the objective.

In: Tim Matthys (on loan from Zulte-Waregem), Julian Lopez (on loan from RCD Espanyol).

Out: Giorgos Katerinis (AO Kavala), Roberto Bisconti (retired), Okan Yilmaz (released), Cesar Henriquez (released).

Net Profit: 0 €

No matter how much Panionios tried, the ‘Kyanerythri’ were never going to outdo their spending from the summer. After signing Alvaro Recoba and Fabian Estoyanoff in the offseason, Panionios’ winter spending was supposed to be based on the means of maintenance. But when you consider the club is already on its third manager of the season, and the several controversies surrounding the club, it’s hard to imagine the winter is about maintenance spending.

They might still be trailing the playoff race by three points, yet the club surely ditched a major distraction by selling Lambros Choutos. The former Greece international was controversial since his arrival last winter. After many altercations and rather tedious disagreements, Choutos was demoted to the club’s youth team. He was eventually recalled to the first team, but sure enough another disagreement between the striker and management pushed Choutos closer to an exit.

On the bright side of things Panionios managed to acquire another set of firm hands in between the post in Thomas Belic, while a large Slavic contingent add depth to the roster. Hull City’s Yann Ekra will spend the next six months with Panionios, but the 18-year-old will likely be used a developmental experiment with his new employers.

In: Thomas Belic (FK Teplice), Davor Kukec (Inter Zapresic), Martin Latka (Slavia Prague), Yann Ekra (on loan from Hull City U-19).

Out: Giannoulis Fakinos (Ilioupoli), Pavel Drsek (SK Kladno), Dimitrios Sialmas (Ethnikos Piraeus), Mehmet Hetemaj (loaned to Thrasyvoulos), Pavel Plaskonny (released), Konstantinos Kapetanos (AO Kerkyra), Giannis Kondis (loaned to Apollon Kalamarias), Dimitrios Siovas (loaned to Ionikos Nakaia), Thanasis Palaskas (loaned to Ilisiakos), Lambros Choutos (PAOK).

Net Profit: – 750.000 €

Panathinaikos applied to acquire several players to revamp their bid for success in the UEFA Champions League, yet sadly, hardly any of those bids succeeded. The ‘Trifylli’ were interested in several South American stars, but their current right’s holders were not willing to part ways this winter.
Instead of signing the likes of Ajax’s Leonardo, Real Zaragoza’s Ricardo Oliveira, River Plate’s Falcao, or Besiktas’ Bobo, Panathinaikos settled for hte acquisition of Polish defender Jakub Wawrzyniak from Polish side Legia Warsaw. Also joining the OAKA Spyros Louis tenants is David, as the Brazilian defender joins Panathinaikos on a free transfer from Palmeiras.

While the failure of adding to their ranks was a big winter storyline for Panathinaikos, the bigger headlines were related to departures. Dimitrios Papadopoulos kickstarted the exit list when he was released by the club in November, before signing on at Serie A side US Lecce.
Rodrigo Souza was then allowed to join Brazilian giants Corinthians, but the move had no comparison to the departure of Greece international Alexandros Tziolis as he joined Bundesliga side Werder Bremen on a six-month loan deal.

The 23-year-old gave a stellar performance when Panathinaikos visited the Weserstadion in the Champions League group stages, and with his man of the match performance, Tziolis impressed Bremen bench boss Thomas Schaaf.

A quiet winter for the capital club is likely expected to translate into a busy summer transfer period, as rumors already begin to filter their way through Athens.

In: David (Palmeiras), Jakub Wawrzyniak (Legia Warsaw).

Out: Dimitrios Papadopoulos (US Lecce), Rodrigo Souza (Corinthians), Stefanos Siontis (loaned to Thrasyvoulos), Alexandros Tziolis (loaned to Werder Bremen), Nikolaos Pantidos (loaned to Ilisiakos).

Net Profit: + 1.010.000 €

The 2007/2008 Beta Ethniki Champions have not been able to adjust to the pressures of the Greek Super League, as Panserraikos’ return to the top flight looks to be a short stay. Stuck in the relegation zone, a brutal home record has been just half the story for ‘Liontaria’.
Their inability to stay consistent has been an active force in their crumble, as strong results have been quickly overshadowed by bitter losses.

Once a regular fixture in the Super League, Panserraikos’ aim in the winter transfer window was to reinforce its squad ahead of a long stretch of tough games.

Like many teams in Greece, Panserraikos was quick to recruit a long list of Slavic talents in order to stay within the limited ranks of the Super League. A notable domestic transfer came from Thessaloniki side Aris FC, who sent Marco Aurelio to Serres on a loan deal.

While there is plenty of talent arriving in Serres, you have to think that Panserraikos will only succeed if the already-installed core of players are able to perform – something of a worry for the club’s loyal supporters.

In: Marco Aurelio (on loan from Aris Thessaloniki), Aleksandar Mutavdzic (KAA Gent), Nastja Ceh (FK Khimki), Radisa Ilic (OFK Belgrade), Nino Bule (Inter Zapresic), Kris Bright (Kristiansund BK), Kristian Velichkov (on loan from Lokomotiv Sofia U-19).

Out: Giorgos Papadopoulos (Veria), Marcelo (Figueirense), Anastasios Pagonis (loaned to Eordaikos), Aurelien Collin (released), Robert Petrov (Cherno More), Jose Luis Jerez (Ethnikos Piraeus), Giorgos Gougoulias (PAS Giannina), Konstantinos Manousaridis (loan return to PAOK).

Net Profit: + 50.000 €

PAOK improved on its summer spending, as Thodoris Zagorakis assured the PAOK public that the team was capable of signing stars throughout the year.

Oliver Sorlin joins the club for a six-month loan spell from French side Stade Rennais. Brazilian Lino followed suit a few days later, as PAOK secured his services on a free transfer from Portuguese giants FC Porto.

In a bizarre domestic sweep featuring Lambros Choutos, PAOK signed the former Olympiacos striker after a disgruntled Panionios board decided to release the former Greece international.

The only departures from the Toumba Stadium featured a handful of loan deals regarding prospects joining Beta Ethniki sides.

In: Stavros Tsoulakos (loan return from Olympiakos Volos), Olivier Sorlin (on loan from Stade Rennais), Lino (FC Porto), Lambros Choutos (Panionios).

Out: Stavros Tsoulakos (loaned to Kalamata), Konstantinos Manousaridis (loaned to AO Kerkyra), Konstantinos Manousaridis (returned from loan with Panserraikos, and then loaned to AO Kerkyra).

Net Profit: 0 €

Thrasyvoulos finds itself also in a rut, and in a situation many clubs in Greece consider a nightmare. Part of the three-team relegation zone, the outlook does not look good for the side from Fyli.
Sakis Tsiolis’ side has gone far and wide to invest in several loan deals, and permanent acquisitions, in order to stay alive in the Super League.

Experienced Super League youngster and Finnish prospect Mehmet Hetemaj was acquired on a loan deal from Panionios, in a bid to add some flare to a very inconsistent attack. With Thrasyvoulos’ offense showing up only on occasion, Serbian midfielder Nikola Trajkovic was also imported in order to add depth in the midfield.

The biggest loss was likely Efstathios Rokas, who joined Asteras Tripolis after Thrasyvoulos agreed to send the 24-year-old to the Arcadian club. He was a critical contributor in the Thrasyvoulos defense, and his departure will leave a gap requiring plenty of cover.

In: Mehmet Hetemaj (on loan from Panionios), Federico Martorell (on loan from Club Deportivo O’Higgins), Nikola Trajkovic (on loan from Red Star Belgrade), Domagoj Abramovich (FC Inter Turku), Leon Knight (Rushden & Diamonds).

Out: Carlos Markora (Preveza), Markos Dimos (Ethnikos Piraeus), Carlos Enrique de Castro (Apollon Kalamarias), Efstathios Rokas (Asteras Tripolis), Michalis Fragos (loaned to Preveza), Giorgos Poulakos (Ilisiakos), Sally Sarr (FC Wil).

Net Profit: 400.000 €

Skoda Xanthi has always been a strong defensive team, but their ‘Achilles Heel’ has been their inability to score goals. The Thracian club had Tomasz Radzinski as their scoring king last season, but as he bitterly left Greece for the Netherlands, Xanthi was unable to replace him.
Charilaos Pappas was brought in from AEK Athens, but the youthful Greek striker hasn’t made much impact since his arrival in late August.

There appears to be, however, thanks to the addition of veteran Czech striker Libor Dosek. The 30-year-old made his debut this past weekend against Levadeiakos, and impressively scored a hat trick in his first appearance for his new employers.

If Dosek can continue to his scoring record for the remainder of the season, there is no reason why Xanthi cannot climb the standings and attempt to reach Europe next season with a berth in the playoffs.

On the export list, Stavros Lambriakos left the club as the 34-year-old made it clear it was no longer possible for him to continue playing Xanthi. Infamour striker Roman Wallner also left the Skoda Xanthi Arena for LASK Linz, while Marcelinho joined Beta Ethniki side Kalamata on a loan deal.

In: Pawel Linka (Lech Poznan), Libor Dosek (Sparta Prague), Efthimos Kotitsas (Ionikos Nikaia), Jaime Duran (on loan from Monarcas Morelia).

Out: Dan Marius Mitu (Vereinslos), Fernando Adrian Lorefice (loan return to CSD Defensa y Justicia), Roman Wallner (LASK Linz), Stavros Lambriakos (Aris Thessaloniki), Marcelinho (loaned to AO Kalamata).

Net Profit: 0 €

* Team banners courtesy of sport24.gr

According to an interview given by Blanco’s agent with Greek sports newspaper SPORTDAY, there was an apparent experimental approach by the Germans for the services of AEK’s most reliable striker. “It was an exploratory contact, not something official. I received a phone call from Schalke, and they were very interested in what it would take to approach Blanco with an offer in the summer. This does not mean that we will certainly make a proposal this summer, but the fact that they asked for Ismael shows a principle interest.”

Gustavo Oneidia then stressed that Blanco’s main concern was to stay in Athens with AEK. “Every player wants to progress, and if anthing arises that is good for both player and club, it will be discussed in the summer. Progress for Blanca is to play in one of Europe’s top leagues, but this is not his objective in entirety. He is perfectly happy at AEK,” claimed Oneidia.

The Argentina agent then concluded the interview by setting what some would call a hefty, yet reasonable, price tag for this client, as he stated Blanco’s worth as a player ranged from € 5.5 million to € 6 million. “With his scoring the price will rise,” concluded the agent.

Returning to the Super League during last year’s winter transfer window, Lambros Choutos played large part in Panionios’ surge into the Super League playoffs. The new season was not as rewarding, as the 29-year-old was demoted to the youth ranks of Panionios after a conflict with then manager Ewald Linen.

Though Choutos was a major bargaining chip in Panionios’ transfer monopoly to snare Fabian Estoyanoff and Alvaro Recoba as free agents in the summer, Choutos conviction didn’t translate into his teamwork.

Following the hiring of Takis Lemonis, Panionios was expected to rewrite their wrong-doings, and turn the season around; however, Lemonis didn’t last long as Panionios manager, resigning from his post just weeks after taking over at Nea Smyrni.

With the appointment of Panagiotis Stamatopoulos as caretaker manager, Choutos made his way back to the first team, but appearances were hard to come by.

Two weeks ago he was named to the pre-weekend roster which would travel to the OAKA Spyros Louis to face AEK Athens. Choutos then resigned from the squad soon after he was told he would be starting the match on the sidelines. It will be interesting to see if Choutos will remain coolheaded while at PAOK.

While he played a giant role in bringing Fabian Estoyanoff and Alvaro Recoba to Greece, another altercation between Choutos and management appears to be the final straw for both parties.

This past weekend’s refusal to suit up for Panionios during his side’s trip to the OAKA Spyros Louis Stadium to face AEK Athens. The former Olympiacos striker agreed to take part in the match after being named to the pre-weekend roster, but he pulled out of the team after being told he would start the match on the sidelines.

The weekend’s events were just another chapter to the long saga of controversy, which swallowed the club at the start of autumn. While the club made a managerial switch by dropping Ewald Lienen for Takis Lemonis, Choutos did little to improve the situation within the Athenian outfit.

Previously sent down to Panionios’ youth ranks, it was reported that Choutos would not return to the first team until season’s end. Another managerial overhaul marked the end of that, and Choutos returned to the Panionios scene on matchday thirteen.

Tipped to be Panionios’ prolific saviour, Choutos signed with the Athenian side in a bid to kick-start a rebellious Super League revolution for the ‘Kyanerythri’. While the beginning of his stay with Panionios looked very satisfying, the tail-end of last season ended with a sour taste for the former ‘Nerrazurri’ striker.

A physical altercation with management tarnished the start of Choutos’ stay at Nea Smyrni, but a long summer of reassuring helped fans to forget about Choutos’ antics.

Now they will likely not see or hear from the striker, at least not while wearing a Panionios uniform. Speaking with popular Greek sports radio station NOVASPORTS FM, Choutos confirmed he was headed for the Nea Smyrni exit.

The AS Monaco player appears to have no future in France, after French officials joined the surge to strip Cufré of his Italian passport, claiming his documentation was forged. Not included in the global investigation featuring several Argentine players with forged Italian passports, Monaco’s abundance in non-EU players forced the Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) from suspending the player.

Originally expected to leave the principality at the end of the season, it now seems Cufré will be leaving sooner rather than later. According to French newspaper L’Equipe, Cufré has been linked with a move across the Mediterranean to Greece. The French paper reports Athenian giants AEK Athens are interested in securing the Argentine’s services.

An able central defender, AEK’s potential acquisition of Cufré would add depth to a defensive line featuring Greece international Sotiris Kyrgiakos and capped Sweden fullback Daniel Majstorovic.

Reports from Greece have revealed former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune is close to signing a contract with the 2007 Beta Ethniki Champions. The South Africa international, has apparently been in Tripoli since the beginning of the week after arriving in Athens early Monday morning.

Part of Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy, Fortune secured a move to Spanish capital club Atletico Madrid on a free transfer to the Vicente Calderon Stadium. His performance with the La Liga outfit was admired by Sir Alex Ferguson, and Fortune was soon blessed with a return to England.

After spending seven seasons with Manchester United at Old Trafford, the 31-year old didn’t find the same success since he departed the Manchester giants ahead of the start of the 2006/2007 season.

Leaving the Red Devils for Premier League rivals Bolton Wanderers, Fortune’s stay at the Reebok Stadium lasted just one season. Leaving the Wanderers, successive knee problems kept Fortune without a club for two years.

Returning to England with Sheffield United at the start of this season, a short trial stint with the Blades eventually led to the Bafana Bafana international to sign a one-year contract with Italian Serie B side Brescia.

His stay with the Italian outfit has been plagued by fitness and injury problems, and the South African has only made one appearance for the ‘Rodinelle’. His next desitation, the Greek Super League, looks to be with a club willing to take the risk in order to sign a troubled South African star.

After being released by Bolton Wanderers ahead of season’s end last year, Giannakopoulos attempted to revive his international career by joining Phil Brown at Hull. It never developed into the success he enjoyed at the Reebok Stadium, as the player referred to more by his first name than his traditional surname made three appearances; only one of them being a start – an appearance in the starting eleven against Newcastle in the FA Cup.

It now seems the chance to return to the Greek National Team has vanished for one of Greece’s EURO 2004 heroes, but a move to Thessaly with Larissa could see Giannakopoulos play a steering role for a club underachieving according to their supporters’ ambitions.

Signing a contract lasting until the end of the 2009/2010 season, Giannakopoulos will be tied down at the Alkazar Stadium in his first return to Greece since leaving Olympiacos for the Premier League back in 2003.

Currently sitting in fifth place amongst the sixteen clubs in the Greek top flight, Larissa currently hold down the last playoff spot ahead of Panionios by one point. With the winter additions of Sasa Ilic and now Giannakopoulos could see the ‘Vyssini’ improve on their fifth place ranking.

Starting his career in Cyprus with Paralimni FC, his first taste of Greek football came when he joined Iraklis in 1997. Spending the next four years with ‘O Gireos’, Konstantinou’s next destination was Athens where Panathinaikos employed the Cypriot striker for the next four years.

The moving onto hated rivals Olympiacos, the Cypriot enjoyed a short stay with the Greek Champions lasting three years. Still able to win title with the Piraeus club, when Konstantinou moved to the Giorgos Karaiskakis Stadium he was hailed as an ideal striking partner for compatriot Ioannis Okkas – whom also played for the Erythrolefki at that time.

Then being released by Olympiacos after several injuries and poor performances, Konstantinou found himself back to where he started in Greece. Although the surroundings were familiar for one of Cyprus’ most reputable strikers, the return back to Thessaloniki featured a changed Konstantinou.

Now returning home, the 30-year-old joins one of Cyprus’ most powerful clubs but has yet to play at the top order of Cypriot football thus far. He is expected to be a valuable part of Omonia’s push to recapture the Cypriot title at season’s end.

Currently employed by Argentine giants River Plate, Falcao has acknowledged Panathinaikos’ interest but did little to clear up the situation. “I know something about a proposal from Panathinaikos, but I will have to study it further. Greek football has grown substantially in recent years, and a proposal does capture my interest; with that being said, I feel very comfortable with River Plate.”

Recently named in the Time’s Top 50 stars of tomorrow, the versatile striker is likely to attract interest from many big clubs across Europe. If Panathinaikos can secure a transfer by the end of the month, it will certainly be a huge gain for Henk Ten Cate’s side.

Panathinaikos knocking on David’s door
While the Falcao transfer fiasco lacks clarity, the forecast for Panathinaikos’ swoop of free agent David looks more promising. The former Palmeiras player is open for a free transfer to Greece, and with documentation said to be completed, it appears only a medical and an official announcement is keeping Panathinaikos from its first capture of the winter.

It is quite the jump for N’Doye, who leaves a side struggling to breathe in the Greek Super League and joins a Danish side looking to stir an upset in the final edition of the UEFA Cup.

While the leap is remarkable, the move seems fitting for the former Panathinaikos player. While Greece appears to be just a launching pad for N’Doye’s career, for OFI it now appears the slump will continue without their star player.

The managerial takeover featuring successful Super League boss Ioannis Matzourakis has not gone to plan, as OFI continues to find itself within the confines of the bottom three in the Super League standings. Though they have been able to avoid relegation, despite close scares year-after-year, the dark reality that the Beta Ethniki is beckoning for one of Greece’s oldest club leaves supporters of the islanders on a knife edge.