PAOK is moving full steam ahead with a major transfer push and is preparing to welcome the following players to Thessaloniki, with the aim of immediately strengthening its roster before the start of official competition.

PAOK officials have lined up a total of four signings for next week, though additional moves cannot be ruled out. The two deals that are essentially finalized are those for Taha Ali and Baptiste Santamaria.

The deal for the 28-year-old Malmö winger is finalized. Taha Ali is expected to travel to Greece to undergo the necessary medical exams and sign his contract with PAOK.

Baptiste Santamaria is also expected in Thessaloniki. The experienced French midfielder has terminated his contract with Valencia and is set to arrive via Munich to complete the formalities and join his new team.

Meanwhile, PAOK continues negotiations regarding Pantelis Hatzidiakos. Discussions are at an advanced stage, with the “black-and-whites” having reached an agreement with the international center back and now awaiting Copenhagen’s final response.

The signing of a left winger is also on track, though the player’s name has not yet been disclosed. The transfer plan also includes the addition of another central midfielder who can play in the deep midfield role.

The situation regarding Dimitris Giannoulis also remains open. PAOK appears determined to “fight” until the very end, aiming to finalize the return of the Greek left back before the deadline for the European roster.

Meanwhile, the first team is wrapping up the main phase of its preseason training in the Netherlands. PAOK faces Twente at 5:00 p.m. in its toughest friendly match ahead of its official fixtures.

Alessio Lisi will have the opportunity to draw even more conclusions about the team’s competitive form and the core group of players he will rely on at the start of the season. After the match, the team will return to Thessaloniki, where the final phase of their preseason preparations will continue.

*photo source: AR