Baptiste Santamaria has been in Thessaloniki since Sunday afternoon to finalize his transfer to PAOK and immediately join his new team’s training sessions.

The 31-year-old French midfielder arrived at “Macedonia” Airport shortly after 6:15 p.m., via Munich, and was greeted by PAOK officials. He then proceeded to his hotel, where his schedule includes the necessary medical and fitness tests prior to signing his contract.

Santamaría’s agreement with PAOK provides for a one-year contract, with the option to extend for another season. The experienced midfielder became a free agent after parting ways with Valencia and is coming to Thessaloniki to add quality, experience, and strength to the midfield.

Next in line to arrive is Taha Ali. The Swedish winger is expected in Thessaloniki on Monday evening, with his arrival at “Macedonia” scheduled for 10:10 p.m. via Copenhagen.

The case of Pantelis Hatzidiakos is also in its final stages. PAOK has reached an agreement with the international center back and is now waiting for Copenhagen to finalize the search for his replacement.

As soon as the Danish club gives the final “green light,” Hatzidiakos is expected to travel to Thessaloniki to finalize his move to PAOK.

PAOK officials want to finalize this deal immediately in order to strengthen the center of their defense with a player who has experience at the highest level.

At the same time, efforts are continuing to sign another central midfielder, as PAOK hopes to add a player with more attacking qualities to play alongside Santamaría.

The coming days are expected to be full of developments, with the “The Double-Headed Eagle” set to finalize a series of major transfer moves and shape the roster with which it will enter the season’s first official matches.

*photo source: AP