The Greek forward was mentioned to replace the Lions’ goalscorer, but the possibility of him also being able to coexist with the Swede is beginning to take shape; ongoing exploratory contacts; Panathinaikos wants €20 million
The signing of a striker is in the plan drawn up by Sporting’s management for the 2024/2025 season and Fotis Ioannidis has been identified as a target. The 24-year-old Greek striker was tipped to replace Gyokeres, following the Swedish goalscorer’s departure from Alvalade, but, based on the data collected by A BOLA, the signing of the Panathinaikos player could happen even with the current number 9 player remaining.
Leo’s SAD is taking precautions and is already preparing the Swede’s possible departure; Greek is the preferred target and Panathinaikos sets the price; there are alternatives
The plan for signings for next season was outlined by the Leonine administration and by Rúben Amorim, a coach who has been approached by many clubs, with Liverpool and West Ham at the head, but who is now closer to continuity. The Leonine SAD therefore created a new plan to tempt the coach to continue in Alvalade.
Ioannidis’ name is at the top of the list of referenced forwards and the signing is starting to gain momentum, even if now the intention is to keep Gyokeres in the squad, something that Rúben Amorim considers a fundamental condition for remaining at the head of the Leonine technical team.
The Lions have already made the first exploratory contacts to understand how they can sign the striker and know that Panathinaikos will only accept selling the player’s pass for a value in the order of 20 million euros. This was precisely the amount that the Lions paid to Coventry, last summer, to acquire the 25-year-old Swedish goalscorer, the most expensive signing in the history of the Alvalade club.
Fotis Ioannidis, 24 years old, is doing great at the Athens club this season, with 23 goals scored and 10 assists in 41 games. Powerful, at 1.87 meters and 83 kilos, the Greece international is also arousing desire in other latitudes but is enthusiastic about the possibility of heading to Alvalade. He has a contract with Panathinaikos until 2027 and when he heads to Sporting he will have a five-season contract waiting.
In addition to a striker, the Lions also want to sign a goalkeeper, a central defender and a winger. Expected to be the return of midfielders Mateus Fernandes and Essugo, loaned to Estoril and Chaves, respectively.
