PAOK has made its decision regarding Antonis Tsiftsis, and the two sides are in talks to renegotiate and extend their contract. The Greek goalkeeper’s current contract expires in the summer of 2028, with the “black-and-whites” hoping to add another year, keeping him at Toumba through 2029.
This move is not a decision made in the wake of Jiri Pavlenka’s injury and Tsiftsis’s presence in goal. Discussions had begun earlier, as PAOK already had a positive impression of the 27-year-old goalkeeper’s development, attitude, and overall performance. The opportunity he now has at his disposal could further strengthen his position, but it wasn’t this opportunity that paved the way for the new contract.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Taha Ali and Pavlenka walked through the operating room door
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Tsiftsis needed time from the day he joined PAOK, working hard without playing a leading role from the start and waiting for his chances. Along the way, he also faced an issue with abdominal-adductor syndrome, which required surgery and forced him to make up for lost ground once again. Nevertheless, his development on the field is viewed positively, and last season he made 28 appearances.
PAOK also values his character and his daily presence in the locker room. He is a low-key player who has focused on his work and on competing for a spot on the team. His attitude following Pavlenka’s injury was particularly telling, as he publicly defended his teammate and direct competitor for the starting goalkeeper position.
At the same time, the Tsiftsis situation is part of PAOK’s broader strategy regarding the contracts of the team’s core players. Club officials want to move forward promptly on key matters and are already considering the next steps for players they plan to retain in the coming years.
The cases of Giannis Michailidis and Andrija Zivkovic are moving in the same direction, with related discussions expected to take place in the near future.
*photo source: KYPE
