# Cedi Osman transfer to PAOK

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cedi-osman-transfer-to-paok
> Updated: 2026-09-17T14:36:59.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

Turkish basketball player Cedi Osman signed a three-year contract with PAOK, transferring from Panathinaikos for a buyout fee of approximately two million euros. Osman indicated that while he had one year remaining on his previous contract, negotiations with Turkish clubs Anadolu Efes and Fenerbahçe failed due to high buyout costs. He expressed motivation to join PAOK’s project under coach Andrea Trinchieri, aiming to compete in the EuroCup with the goal of reaching the EuroLeague.

Following his arrival, Osman shared his ambitions during PAOK’s media day, stating the team’s primary goal is to win titles. He highlighted the importance of a recent ten-day training camp in Italy for building team chemistry, noting a strong performance in friendly matches, including an 89-77 victory over Olimpia Milano where he was the top scorer. Osman also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament, noting his desire to return to the OAKA arena to compete against EuroLeague teams like Panathinaikos and Partizan. He praised teammate Nick Calathes, describing it as a “luxury” to play alongside him.

In an interview with Eurohoops, Osman clarified his departure from Panathinaikos, explaining that while he expected renewal discussions, both parties felt the club was moving in a different direction. He characterized the split as a “business matter” resulting from a lack of summer communication, but emphasized there is no ill will toward management or Dimitris Giannakopoulos. He reiterated that his move to PAOK was driven by the vision of coach Trinchieri and official Telis Mystakidis, seeking a more significant role to help the club return to the EuroLeague.

## Claims

- Cedi Osman stated that his goal with PAOK is to win titles. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Osman expressed excitement about returning to the OAKA arena for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Osman praised teammate Nick Calathes for his ability to facilitate team chemistry. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- PAOK performed well in recent friendly matches in Italy, including a game against Olimpia Milano. (single source)
- Osman was the top scorer in PAOK's 89-77 friendly victory over Olimpia Milano. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Cedi Osman explains departure from Panathinaikos for PAOK

Cedi Osman discusses his move from Panathinaikos to PAOK, citing a mutual decision to move in different directions and his desire to play a larger role in PAOK's pursuit of EuroLeague competition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cedi-osman-explains-departure-from-panathinaikos-for-paok

### 2026-09-14: Cedi Osman sets title ambitions with PAOK

PAOK forward Cedi Osman aims for titles this season and expressed excitement about returning to OAKA for the Pavlos Giannakopoulos tournament.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cedi-osman-sets-title-ambitions-with-paok

### 2026-08-19: Cedi Osman signs three-year deal with PAOK from Panathinaikos

Cedi Osman has joined PAOK on a three-year deal from Panathinaikos. He cited high buyout fees as the reason why moves to Turkish clubs Efes and Fenerbahçe failed to occur.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cedi-osman-signs-three-year-contract-with-paok

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Cite as: Cedi Osman transfer to PAOK. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cedi-osman-transfer-to-paok