Greek basketball is set for a major shake-up, as Cedi Osman is on the verge of completing a blockbuster move to PAOK. The Thessaloniki club has agreed to pay Panathinaikos AKTOR a €2 million buyout, while the Turkish forward has accepted a three-year contract worth a total of €9 million.
PAOK had been determined to pull off one of the biggest transfers of the summer, persistently increasing its offers to Panathinaikos until reaching the €2 million mark. In fact, this was the club’s fourth bid before finally receiving the green light. Despite Panathinaikos’ initial reluctance to negotiate, Osman’s desire to embrace a new challenge ultimately proved decisive.
A starring role and a lucrative contract
The captain of the Turkish national team has chosen PAOK not only because of the financial package—€3 million per season over three years—but also because of the leading role he is expected to have under Andrea Trinchieri. Once the deal is officially completed, the Thessaloniki side will add one of the EuroLeague’s top small forwards to its roster after Osman averaged 12.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.2 assists last season.
Giannakopoulos’ phone call to Osman and the decision that changed everything
Cedi Osman’s determination to continue his career at PAOK was ultimately the key factor that led Panathinaikos AKTOR to accept the Thessaloniki club’s offer.
Before giving the final approval for the transfer, Panathinaikos owner Dimitris Giannakopoulos personally contacted the Turkish forward to understand his intentions. Although DPG had previously rejected PAOK’s earlier proposals, he chose to speak directly with the player before making the final decision.
Osman’s wish
The captain of the Turkish national team made it clear that his priority was to move to Thessaloniki and continue his career with PAOK, prompting Panathinaikos to approve the transfer.
Shortly afterward, Dimitris Giannakopoulos publicly bid farewell to Osman on Instagram, admitting that he was saddened by the player’s decision but fully respected it, while wishing him the very best for the future.
Obradovic’s approval for Osman’s departure and Panathinaikos’ new transfer plan
Osman’s move to PAOK was not driven solely by the player’s desire for a new challenge. It also came with the approval of head coach Zeljko Obradovic, who believes the transfer fits Panathinaikos’ plans for the upcoming season.
The Serbian coach discussed both PAOK’s proposal and Osman’s projected role with the Greens before giving his approval to the club’s management to proceed with the transfer.
All in for a point guard
Osman’s departure will provide Panathinaikos with significant financial flexibility, thanks to the €2 million buyout and the salary relief created by his exit. As a result, the Greens are expected to focus their efforts on signing a high-level point guard and are prepared to move aggressively once the right opportunity becomes available on the market.