PAOK seals deals for French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria and Swedish forward Taha Ali

Greek Super League club PAOK announced the acquisition of French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria. The 31‑year‑old, who most recently played for Valencia, arrived in Thessaloniki for medical tests and is set to sign a contract lasting until 30 June 2027. The club highlighted his experience in Ligue 1, the Bundesliga and La Liga, noting his decision to join PAOK was driven by the promise of regular playing time and an ambitious project.

PAOK also confirmed the signing of Swedish‑Somali winger Taha Ali from Malmö FF. The 26‑year‑old is expected to land in Thessaloniki on the evening of 12 July and will undergo standard medical examinations before signing a three‑year deal. The club described Ali as a fast, technically skilled attacker capable of playing on either wing and emphasized his potential to strengthen the team’s offensive options.

Both transfers were reported by local media, with headlines such as «Γι’ αυτό επέλεξε τον ΠΑΟΚ ο Σανταμαρία» and “Ο Τάχα Άλι έρχεται και υπογράφει στον ΠΑΟΚ”.