AEK announced yesterday that it had signed Milan Vitalis through 2030, but it has not yet completed its roster additions. While the team’s basic needs, based on the initial plan, may appear to be met, Marco Nikolić believes that a few more additions are needed to improve the quality and increase the quantity of his options.
Although Kairinen, Meyer, and Vitalis have already been signed, “Enosis” is still in the market for one more midfielder, though without any particular time pressure, since it is now a given that the team will proceed with its current roster at least for the Superbet Super Cup and the Champions League playoffs. It appears that the Serbian coach wants another midfielder, this time with more defensive attributes, but of course one who is also capable of “building” the play. The possibility of signing another midfielder with the qualities of João Mário—or even the Portuguese player himself—is always on the table.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Stoiximan Super League: Atromitos vs. AEK Postponed
Beyond that, following Kostic’s decision to join PSV Eindhoven, the search for a left back has taken a back seat, but it certainly hasn’t been “shelved.” Javier Ribalta and his staff are scanning the market and looking for the best possible opportunity, though they’re not particularly rushed, since Penray remains on the team as an alternative to Pelios, until further notice. The possibility of adding a center back is always on the table, provided an opportunity arises that would allow Georgiev—who is currently playing as a center back—to return to his role as Rota’s backup on the right side of the defense.
Beyond that, the upcoming training sessions will be crucial in determining which… two plus two young players from AEK will feature in the Superbet Super Cup against OFI next Wednesday. As a reminder, according to the regulations, two players born in 2004 or later must be in the starting lineup for the entire duration of the match, while for safety reasons, two others must be on the bench. Kaloskamis will definitely be one of them and will play in the positions behind the striker, while Alexiou would be the second (alongside Moukounti or Relvas) if there were no doubts about his readiness following the injury the young center back sustained during preseason, which caused him to miss numerous training sessions. Christakopoulos, who made an excellent impression during preseason but suffered a strain, is still uncertain to be ready to play on the right side of the defense. Beyond that, the options include 17-year-old forward Argyriou and 21-year-old goalkeeper Balamotis, who also participated in the training camp in the Netherlands and saw some playing time in the friendlies.
*photo source: KYPE
