Panathinaikos' Transfer Deal for Elmin Rastonder Hits Snag

Greek club Panathinaikos had reached a verbal agreement with Swiss side FC Thun and the Macedonian striker Elmin Rastonder for a move to the Super League. The club offered a contract worth €1.4 million per year, with the overall deal potentially reaching €4 million including bonuses. On Saturday the player informed Thun that he does not wish to join the Greek league at this stage, preferring a transfer to a larger European competition, and has temporarily halted the move. The unexpected change surprised Panathinaikos, Thun and the player’s representatives, all of whom had already invested financially. Panathinaikos’ technical director and management are trying to persuade Rastonder to stay on the deal, while clubs such as Hamburg, Gladbach and Lyon have shown interest but have not made official bids. The situation remains unresolved.