[REVISION HISTORY]

Panathinaikos undergoes major squad and leadership overhaul

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What changed

2026-08-26 13:33 UTC → 2026-09-02 07:57 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Panathinaikos continues its extensive structural and roster overhaul as it prepares for the new Stoiximan Super League season. Following a fourth-place finish in the previous playoffs, the club has appointed 38-year-old Jakob Nielsen as head coach on a contract until 2028, succeeding Rafa Benitez. The club has invested over 27 million euros in roster changes, acquiring approximately 10 to 12 new players. Recent additions include Inaki Pena, Stefan de Vrij, Rick van Drongelen, Victor Kristiansen, Etienne Camara, Kings Kangwa, and Levi Garcia. To optimize the squad, the club facilitated 12 departures, most notably Greek national team captain Tasos Bakasetas. Recruitment efforts have recently intensified with interest in defensive and midfield reinforcements. The club initiated contact with Baltika Kaliningrad to acquire 25-year-old left-footed center-back Nathan Gascama, valued at approximately €1.5 million. Additionally, Polish international midfielder Jakub Piotrowski of Udinese has emerged as a potential target. Developments regarding player exits have also progressed. While previously noted as a departure, negotiations for midfielder Tasos Bakasetas have shifted toward a contract termination, with the club reportedly prepared to pay a compensation fee to allow the 33-year-old to become a free agent. The club is also seeking a resolution regarding the departure of French midfielder Moussa Sissoko. Regarding Gascama, the club has reportedly submitted an official €5 million bid to secure a permanent transfer, with negotiations in advanced stages for a potential three-year contract. On the European front, the club is remains focused on the UEFA Conference League playoffs. Following a 2-2 draw in the first leg against Hradec Kralove, a decisive rematch is pending. Qualification for the League Phase carries ~~significant financial weight, with~~ a potential windfall of approximately 11 million euros. Success would also provide coach Nielsen with stability and serve as a recruitment tool by guaranteeing European competition. Regarding squad availability for these European commitments, defender Davide Calandria has returned to the 23-man squad following injury recovery, though Ahmed Touba has been excluded as he nears a loan move to Xanthi. Due to these fixtures, the club has requested to postpone its league premiere against Kifisia; its first Super League match is now scheduled for the second matchday, away against Levadiakos.

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