AEK has announced its choice for the left back position! The club has officially confirmed the signing of Babis Lykoiannis, who has signed a contract through 2028, complementing the left flank of the “yellow-and-black” defense alongside Stavros Pilios, who had been the sole player in that position following the departure of James Penrose.

Lykoiannis came up through the Olympiacos youth academy, played briefly for the first team, and then for Levadiakos and Ergotelis, but has been playing abroad for the past 11 years. He played for two and a half seasons at Sturm Graz, winning one Cup (2018) and recording 6 goals and 6 assists in 81 appearances.

In January of that season, Cagliari signed him for 800,000 euros, and he has been playing in Italy ever since. In three and a half years with the Sardinian club, he made 109 appearances, scoring 5 goals and providing 7 assists, before joining Bologna on a free transfer in the summer of 2022. Wearing their jersey, he made 92 appearances, scored 4 goals, and provided 9 assists, winning the 2025 Serie A title and the Coppa Italia. Last season, he played in just 18 games.

Lykoiannis, who has also been used as a left center back in a three-man defense, stands out for his ability in the attacking midfield, as he has a strong left foot and is skilled at set pieces. These attacking qualities are exactly what AEK was looking for in a player to strengthen that position. He also brings a wealth of experience, having played in 171 Serie A matches, as well as 7 Champions League matches and 8 Europa League matches.

The full announcement reads as follows:

AEK FC announces the signing of Babis Lykoiannis, who has signed a contract with our team through the summer of 2028.

Babis Lykoiannis was born on October 22, 1993. He plays as a left back. He initially played for Olympiacos, Levadiakos, and Ergotelis, but has spent most of his career outside Greece.

For two and a half seasons (2015–18), he played for Sturm Graz in Austria, and then spent eight years in Serie A, first with Cagliari from 2018 to 2022 (109 matches, 5 goals, 7 assists) and then with Bologna (92 matches, 4 goals, 9 assists).

AEK’s new player has represented Greece at all youth national team levels and has made 6 appearances for the Men’s National Team.

Babis, welcome to AEK. We wish you good health and every success with our team!

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