PAOK secures French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria on three‑year deal

PAOK announced the official acquisition of French midfielder Baptiste Santamaria, signing him until 30 June 2027 and assigning him jersey number 7. The club released a video in which Santamaria said, “I want to play for a team with amazing supporters, a club that lives for football.” He joined the squad’s training camp in Thessaloniki after a 15‑day preparation stint in the Netherlands.

In the same period PAOK also confirmed the arrival of Swedish winger Taha Ali, who arrived from Copenhagen and expressed his excitement: “PAOK is a club with great history, I want to be part of it.” Additionally, central defender Ariz Elustondo is undergoing treatment for swelling in the right ankle’s ligaments and will be assessed daily to determine his availability for the upcoming Europa League qualifying matches.

The team’s medical list also noted that players Χατσίδης, Κωττάς, Σορετίρε and Ντεσπόντοφ continued individual recovery programmes, while Μεϊτέ remained in treatment for a hip issue. PAOK’s preparations continue ahead of their first European fixtures, with the new signings expected to strengthen the midfield and attack for the new season.