Aritz Elustondo reported to join PAOK

Spanish defender Aritz Elustondo is reportedly nearing a transfer to Greek club PAOK following the expiration of his contract with Real Sociedad. The 31-year-old player has reached a verbal agreement with the Thessaloniki-based team after negotiations advanced rapidly. Reports indicate that PAOK offered a three-year contract, which the player accepted. Elustondo, who played for Real Sociedad for nearly two decades and made over 300 appearances, reportedly declined offers from other La Liga teams to avoid playing against his former club. The transfer was strongly advocated by PAOK's new head coach, Alessio Lisci, as part of his defensive restructuring plans. Elustondo is expected to be the club's first major signing for the 2026-27 season. While sources generally agree on the move, there are minor discrepancies regarding his exact age, listed as either 31 or 32 in various reports.