Vanja Drkušić transfer to PAOK collapses as player opts for Espanyol

The highly anticipated transfer of Slovenian central defender Vanja Drkušić to PAOK has collapsed. While initial reports indicated that the 26-year-old defender from Zenit Saint Petersburg was scheduled to arrive in Thessaloniki on Friday, August 14, to undergo medical examinations and sign a loan deal through June 2027, the deal has been abandoned.

According to reports, the player's representatives informed PAOK of an interest from La Liga club Espanyol. Drkušić expressed a personal preference to pursue a move to the Spanish league, leading to the cancellation of the agreement with the Greek club.

Following the collapse of the negotiations, PAOK is now back in the market to find a replacement center-back before the transfer window closes.