AEK Athens accelerates transfer activity ahead of pre-season training

AEK Athens is aiming to finalize the signing of a new central midfielder by the end of the week, as the team prepares to begin training on July 6. Football director Javier Ribalta is currently managing multiple negotiations to strengthen the squad, prioritizing a midfielder and a central defender who can compete for starting positions. The acquisition of a midfielder is urgent due to the delayed return of Orbelin Pineda, who is currently participating in international tournaments with Mexico. Depending on Mexico's progression in the tournament, Pineda may miss the initial stage of pre-season training, leaving Marin, Mantalos, Sahabo, and Ljubicic as the available options. Additionally, the club is working on contract extensions for Luka Jovic and Stavros Pilios. Following the arrival of Oleksandr Zubkov earlier in June, these new signings are intended to bolster the team's depth.