# Aris Thessaloniki squad rebuild and Greek Cup progress > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/aris-thessaloniki-transfers > Updated: 2026-09-09T16:10:17.000Z. Sources: 68. Developments: 23. Aris Thessaloniki has embarked on an extensive squad rebuild and pre-season preparation for the upcoming campaign. The club secured 17-year-old forward Chrysostomos Khatzilambrou to a four-year professional contract and finalized the permanent signing of Cameroonian midfielder Martin Hongla from Granada for approximately €1.5 million. Other recent signings include Martínov, Sezar, El Allatsi, Tom Dele-Basiru, and Roko Jurišić. Coach Michalis Grigoriou is overseeing a major roster overhaul, targeting defensive reinforcements to address “large gaps” in the squad. Following a pre-season that included a 3-0 victory against Atalanta and a 6-2 defeat against Napoli, Aris successfully qualified for the League Phase of the Greek Cup after a 2-0 victory against Anagennisi Karditsa. In their Greek Cup League Phase opener, Aris played to a 1-1 draw against Asteras Tripolis at the “Th. Kolokotronis” stadium. After Federico Macheda put the hosts ahead in the 60th minute, substitute Loren Moron equalized for Aris in the 68th minute with a goal from a difficult angle. Following the match, manager Michalis Grigoriou expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance, stating they were not at the “desired level.” He also criticized officials regarding a non-call on a potential penalty involving player Gare. Despite these concerns, Grigoriou remains optimistic about Moron’s form ahead of the upcoming match against PAOK. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Asteras AKTOR and Aris draw 1-1 in Greek Cup opener Asteras Tripolis and Aris Thessaloniki drew 1-1 in the Greek Cup League Phase, with goals from Federico Macheda and Loren Moron. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-seeks-recovery-in-greek-cup-match-against-asteras-tripolis ### 2026-08-26: Aris FC targets new signings as Martin Hongla returns to training Aris FC is targeting up to three new signings, including a winger and a defender, while Martin Hongla returns to training to bolster the midfield ahead of their match against OFI. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-targets-new-signings-as-martin-hongla-returns-to-training ### 2026-08-21: Aris FC undergoes major squad overhaul and transfer activity Aris FC is strengthening its squad with 11 new signings worth nearly €12 million, while midfielder Christian Kouamé is reportedly linked with a move to Italy's Torino FC. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-undergoes-major-squad-overhaul-and-transfer-activity ### 2026-08-17: Aris FC continues squad reinforcements for new season Aris spokesperson Kostas Papadopoulos confirmed the club is still seeking transfers, focusing on young talent and attacking players while addressing goalkeeper depth and contract issues. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-continues-squad-reinforcements-for-new-season ### 2026-08-16: Aris FC advances to Greek Cup League Phase with 2-0 win Aris FC and Levadiakos have qualified for the Greek Cup League Phase. Aris defeated Anagennisi Karditsa 2-0 in a match featuring a new goalkeeper regulation. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/jay-lindell-arrives-in-thessaloniki-to-join-aris-bc ### 2026-08-16: AEL Novibet and Volos FC advance to Greek Cup League Phase AEL Novibet and Volos FC have qualified for the Greek Cup League Phase after defeating Athens Kallithea 3-1 and Iraklis 3-1, respectively. 17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uros-racic-sets-sights-on-trophies-ahead-of-aris-fc-cup-match ### 2026-08-13: Napoli defeat Aris Thessaloniki 6-2 in preseason friendly Napoli defeated Aris Thessaloniki 6-2 in their final summer friendly, highlighted by braces from Kevin De Bruyne and Lorenzo Lucca under manager Massimiliano Allegri. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/napoli-defeats-aris-thessaloniki-6-2-in-friendly ### 2026-08-11: Napoli defeats Aris Salonicco 6-2 in preseason finale Napoli defeated Aris Salonicco 6-2 in their final preseason friendly, highlighted by braces from Kevin De Bruyne and Lorenzo Lucca. Captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has also reached a contract extension agreement. 22 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/giovanni-di-lorenzo-nears-contract-extension-with-napoli ### 2026-07-30: Aris Thessaloniki to play Monza in pre‑season friendly in Italy Aris Thessaloniki and Serie A newcomers Monza will meet in a 30 July friendly in Italy, a key pre‑season test highlighted by Italian media. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-thessaloniki-to-play-monza-in-preseason-friendly-in-italy-1 ### 2026-07-28: Monza to face Aris Salonicco in preseason friendly at Monzello centre Monza, led by new coach Ivan Juric, will host Aris Salonicco in a sold‑out preseason friendly at the Monzello training centre on 30 July, ahead of their Serie A season. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/monzas-soldout-friendly-against-aris-salonicco-at-monzello ### 2026-07-26: Aris defeats Atalanta 3-0 in pre‑season friendly in Italy Aris beat Atalanta 3-0 in an Italian friendly, with Kristian Kouame netting two goals and Oros Ratsis scoring once; the win opened their 2026/27 pre‑season preparation. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-defeats-atalanta-3-0-in-preseason-friendly-in-italy ### 2026-07-25: Aris Thessaloniki begins integrating Argentine forward Sebastián Palacios Aris Thessaloniki’s coach Michalis Grigoriou has begun integrating Argentine forward Sebastián Palacios into the squad, with the player joining full training and taking a tactical role on the right wing ahead – 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-thessaloniki-intensifies-preseason-under-coach-michalis-grigoriou ### 2026-07-22: Aris gears up for Atalanta friendly in Italy Aris trains in Italy under Michalis Grigoriou, testing a new formation and adding signings Tom Dele‑Basiru and Roko Jurišić before a 26 July friendly with Atalanta. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-gears-up-for-atalanta-friendly-in-italy ### 2026-07-19: Aris Thessaloniki heads to Italy for pre‑season training, seeks defensive reinforcements Greek club Aris Thessaloniki departs for a July pre‑season camp in Italy, aiming to address defensive gaps through upcoming signings and friendlies against Atalanta and AC Monza. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-heads-to-italy-for-preseason-camp-and-seeks-defensive-signings ### 2026-06-28: APOEL negotiates contracts with Daniel Mançini and Max Meyer APOEL seeks new reduced‑salary deals to keep forward Daniel Mançini and midfielder Max Meyer, with decisions due soon; positive replies will see them in the July 3 pre‑season, otherwise alternatives are ready. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/apoel-negotiates-contracts-with-daniel-manini-and-max-meyer ### 2026-06-26: Aris FC weighs Miguel Alfarela loan as it reshapes squad for new season Aris FC is negotiating a loan for Miguel Alfarela, who rejected a move to Kalamata, while also adding three young signings as it readies for the new season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-weighs-miguel-alfarela-loan-as-it-reshapes-squad-for-new-season ### 2026-06-26: Aris outlines July pre‑season camp in Italy with Monza friendly Aris will train from 7 July, stay in Ptolemaida, then move to Italy for a camp ending July 31, including a friendly versus AC Monza; recent player exits and transfer talks were also confirmed. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-fc-confirms-player-exits-and-signs-kakovalis-ahead-of-transfer-window ### 2026-06-17: Aris targets defensive rebuild as free agent Daniel Mançini may return Aris seeks defensive signings and weighs a comeback for free agent Daniel Mançini as the June transfer window opens. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-targets-defensive-rebuild-as-free-agent-daniel-manini-may-return ### 2026-06-01: Aris Thessaloniki completes permanent signing of Martin Hongla Aris has secured a three‑year deal for Martin Hongla from Granada for roughly €1.5 million, bolstering its midfield while assessing his knee injury treatment. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-thessaloniki-completes-permanent-signing-of-martin-hongla ### 2026-06-01: Greek club Aris targets midfielder Martin Hongla for permanent signing Aris aims to sign loan player Martin Hongla permanently, finalising a three‑year deal after his 17 appearances and three goals, while still seeking another midfielder. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-club-aris-targets-midfielder-martin-hongla-for-permanent-signing ### 2026-05-31: Daniel Mansini's APOEL contract dispute draws Aris Thessaloniki interest Daniel Mansini's APOEL contract includes a June release clause; financial issues at the club make him a target for Aris Thessaloniki, with his future to be decided soon. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daniel-mansinis-apoel-contract-dispute-draws-aris-thessaloniki-interest ### 2026-05-30: Aris launches extensive squad rebuild ahead of new season Aris plans a sweeping transfer window, seeking a new goalkeeper, defensive reinforcements, and possible Cypriot signings to reshape its squad for the next season. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-launches-extensive-squad-rebuild-ahead-of-new-season ### 2026-05-29: Aris signs Khatzilambrou to four-year contract amid ongoing transfer talks Aris signs 17‑year‑old Khatzilambrou to a four‑year deal and continues transfer negotiations for Daniel Mançini and other targets, including talks with APOEL. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aris-signs-khatzilambrou-to-four-year-contract-amid-ongoing-transfer-talks --- Cite as: Aris Thessaloniki squad rebuild and Greek Cup progress. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/aris-thessaloniki-transfers