[REVISION HISTORY]

Aris Thessaloniki defensive squad reinforcements

Updated 5 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-24 21:58 UTC → 2026-08-25 13:50 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Aris Thessaloniki has begun strengthening its defensive line as part of a new squad philosophy focused on young players. On August 21, the club reached an agreement with Standard Liège to acquire Croatian central defender Boško Šutalo on loan for the season, an arrangement that includes an option to purchase the player next summer. By August 24, the club was finalizing the transfers of both Šutalo and Manu Garcia, with both players arriving in Thessaloniki for medical examinations and signings. Details regarding Šutalo’s arrival indicate the 26-year-old center-back is set to sign a contract that includes an option for Aris to purchase his rights for approximately two million euros next summer. Šutalo, whose career includes stints at Atalanta BC, Hellas Verona, and Dinamo Zagreb, expressed his ambition to help Aris return to European competitions, describing the club as one of the top teams in Greece. Reports suggest Standard Liège has been actively seeking to move the player due to his high salary and lack of playing time under coach Vincent Euvrard, with the Belgian club viewing his departure as a relief. Šutalo, formerly a significant signing for Dinamo Zagreb, has previously struggled with consistency due to frequent injuries and a recent loan spell at Cracovia in Poland. ~~While the tactical plan involves utilizing Šutalo in~~ Aris FC has officially announced the ~~center~~ acquisitions of ~~the defense,~~ both players. Manu Garcia returns to the club ~~continues~~ on a three-year contract following a period in the MLS with Sporting Kansas City; during his previous tenure with Aris from 2022 to ~~evaluate whether further center-back reinforcements are necessary. Amid~~ 2025, he recorded 63 appearances, 9 goals, and 7 assists. With these ~~transfers,~~ additions, the ~~team faces~~ squad size has grown to approximately 34 players, leaving manager Michalis Grigoriou to manage a large roster ~~challenges~~ ahead of ~~their season opener~~ upcoming league matches, including a fixture against ~~Apollon, as goalkeeper Vana Alves is ruled out and the availability of players Pazé and Gaustad remains uncertain.~~ OFI Crete.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.