AEK is set to depart for the Netherlands, where it will hold the main phase of its summer training camp. Marko Nikolić will have nearly the entire roster at his disposal, with AEK retaining the core of last year’s team and awaiting the final transfers that will complete its plans for the new season.

The focus of the transfer activity remains on strengthening the midfield and the center of the defense. AEK officials are in advanced talks to sign the central midfielder identified by the team’s soccer director, Javier Ribalta, with the goal of finalizing the deal as soon as possible so the player can join the team’s preseason training camp in the Netherlands. Once this transfer is finalized, the club will make a final push to sign a center back.

The first phase of preseason training will take place from July 6 to July 18. After a four-day break, the team will return to the Netherlands for the second phase, which will conclude on August 2.

The schedule includes a series of challenging friendly matches. It will kick off on July 12 against De Graafschap, followed by a match against Vitesse on July 15, and before returning to Greece, the “Yellow-and-Blacks” will also face Groningen. Three more friendlies are scheduled for the second part of the preseason, against Samsunspor, Zwolle, and Sint-Truiden.

The only player missing from the squad will be Orbelín Pineda, as his commitments with the Mexican national team prevent him from joining the team on the first day. On the other hand, Niklas Eliasson and Robert Ljubicic will travel as scheduled, even though their names are on the list of players who may be on the market this summer.

Those expected to leave remain out of the team’s plans. Chrysopoulos will continue his career with Asteras AKTOR, Sosa has been announced by the Cypriot club Anorthosis, while the club is seeking the best possible solution for Piero and Fernandes, whether through a transfer or another loan. Meanwhile, young Kolimatis is expected to be sent out on loan so he can gain valuable playing time.

At the same time, there has been a change in AEK’s coaching staff. Marco Garofalo is no longer the goalkeeper coach, and the club’s management is in the final stages of selecting his replacement, who will work alongside Thomas Strakosha and Alberto Brignoli during the preseason training camp in the Netherlands.