Panathinaikos: Winter reinforcements – the three positions the Greens are targeting

Panathinaikos beat Iraklis at the Kaftanzoglio and will go into the international break top of the Stoiximan Super League, four points clear of second-placed Olympiacos after their draw with PAOK.

The break also looks like the ideal time to make decisions ahead of the 2027 winter transfer window. Panathinaikos have played 22 official games in all competitions since the end of July, which is enough for Jakob Neestrup to have a clear view of his whole squad. And January is close enough for sporting director Stefanos Kotsolis to start preparing and move forward with talks with his targets.

Last week, Franco Baldini was in Athens for wide-ranging discussions with Kotsolis, Neestrup and Giannis Alafouzos. The club’s major shareholder confirmed his desire to strengthen the squad and give the Danish coach the resources he needs.

Panathinaikos

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PanathinaikosvsOFI Crete·Nov 22, 2026, 3:30 PM

A winger for both flanks

The first priority is out wide. Neestrup needs a winger equally comfortable on the right and left, so he can switch sides and formations without limiting his options. Currently, the flanks belong mainly to Tambordas on the right and Santino Andino on the left, as was the case in the 2-1 win over Iraklis.

Behind them, the options have not convinced the Danish coach. Facundo Pelistri is fit but not part of the regular rotation and, according to reports, will leave in January if a satisfactory offer arrives. Neestrup rates Adriano Jagušić’s quality but wants more from him off the ball: intensity in pressing, tracking back and consistency in defensive duties. Until then, the young Croatian remains a squad option. Sunday’s game in Thessaloniki said it all: chasing the game, Neestrup sent full-back Triantafyllos Tsapras to the right wing and left both Pelistri and Jagušić on the bench.

A midfielder for the “6” and the “8”

The second need is in central midfield. Panathinaikos want a player who can operate as both a “6” and an “8”, standing out for his intensity, energy and work rate. Neestrup doesn’t want a midfielder who stays in front of the defence, but one who wins the ball, covers ground and helps build play from the back.

Etienne Camara and Kings Kangwa are the first-choice pair, with Imran Louza starting against Iraklis because Kangwa was sent off in the derby against AEK. The player who has not convinced Neestrup is Pedro Chirivella. The Spaniard impressed in pre-season but has been left out of the main options in official games and was not registered for the Conference League. The search for a new midfielder is directly linked to his possible departure.

A centre-back, preferably left-footed

The third position is centre-back. Stefan de Vrij and Rick van Drongelen are the first-choice pair, but there is little cover behind them. Sverrir Ingi Ingason ruptured his cruciate ligament in July and will miss the entire season, while Ahmed Touba failed to convince Neestrup and was loaned to Le Havre until summer 2027.

That leaves Giorgos Katris, whom Neestrup has also used at right-back, as the third choice. Erik Palmer-Brown is not part of the regular rotation and could leave if an offer comes in. Panathinaikos aren’t looking for a backup, but a defender with the quality to compete with the two Dutchmen and step into the starting XI without a drop in level. A left-footer makes sense, since Van Drongelen plays on the left and the new signing could replace him on his natural side.