Panathinaikos targets Croatian centre‑back Tsaleta‑Char amid defender injuries

Panathinaikos, the Greek football club, is reportedly in early talks to sign 29‑year‑old Croatian centre‑back Tsaleta‑Char. The player has been a regular for Croatia since 2018, appearing at the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2021 and the recent World Cup in the United States, and is currently under contract with Lyon in France.

The interest follows a season‑ending knee injury to Icelandic defender Ingi Ingason, which left a gap in Panathinaikos’ central defence. The club recently secured Ric Van Dongen on a four‑year deal and already fields defenders such as De Frey, Van Dongen, Tumba and Katris. Management says negotiations with Tsaleta‑Char are at a preliminary stage and could involve a loan or permanent transfer depending on the terms, as the summer window draws to a close.