As soon as Connor Goldson’s serious health issue arose, Makis Papaioannou, along with his colleagues and always in consultation with Hernán Lozada, searched for and found the ideal center back to fill the void, signing him through 2029.

That player is Emmanuel Aïbou. The 25-year-old Austrian has played for Sturm Graz for the past two years and made a total of 27 appearances across all competitions last season.

He took his first steps in soccer at Admira Wacker, from which he was transferred to Rapid Vienna for two million euros. Two years later, the Italian club Cremonese spent three million euros to buy him from the Austrians. He played in Serie A during the 2022–23 season, appearing in 23 matches.

This was followed by a loan to Birmingham City in 2023/24 and his most recent stint Sturm Graz, with whom he won the Austrian league title in the 2024/25 season.

*photo source: AP