PAOK is facing what may be its biggest challenge of the year. Tonight, the “Double-Headed Eagle of the North” will play away against Brann in Bergen, Norway (8:00 p.m.), in the rematch of the 1-1 draw at Toumba in the Conference League playoffs, with a spot in the tournament’s League Phase at stake.
Naturally, all of the “black-and-whites’” attention is currently focused on this crucial European match. At the same time, however, PAOK officials are also working on finalizing the last few transfer deals, as the goal is to complete the roster with two more key additions.
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The main needs have been identified as the striker position and the center of the defense. For the striker position, PAOK has settled on a player from Latin America who already has significant experience in European soccer. The scouting department has given him a positive evaluation, and negotiations are underway, with the Thessaloniki club working to finalize the terms of a deal.
At the same time, the search for a center back is also moving forward. PAOK has identified a player from the Balkans whose attributes fit into Alessio Lisi’s plans. He is a dynamic center back with a strong track record, who is considered capable of providing both quality and added depth to the defensive line.
Meanwhile, the transfer of Ognen Ugresic is in its final stages. The 20-year-old Partizan midfielder is expected in Thessaloniki to finalize his move and sign a five-year contract. The total cost of the deal is expected to reach approximately 6–6.5 million euros, with additional bonuses totaling 1.5 million euros.
If the transfer goes through, Ugrecic will become the second-most expensive signing in PAOK’s history, second only to that of Christos Zafeiris. After the Bergen match, then, the focus will shift definitively to the end of the transfer window, with PAOK looking to sign a forward and a center back to complete this year’s roster.
*photo source: ognjen.ugresic8
