Panathinaikos plump up midfield options
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Article summary
Greek side Panathinaikos FC have boosted their ranks after signing Liverpool FC winger Sebastián Leto and Greek international Kostas Katsouranis on long-term deals for a combined fee of around €7m.
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Panathinaikos FC have boosted their midfield options after signing Sebastián Leto and Greek international Kostas Katsouranis for a combined fee of around €7m.
Olympiacos spell
Leto reportedly commanded the slight majority of that outlay, with Panathinaikos paying Liverpool FC around €4m for the Argentinian left winger's services. The 22-year-old spent last season on loan at Olympiacos CFP as they claimed the Greek league and cup double, but has opted to put down roots with their arch-rivals, signing a five-year deal with Panathinaikos.
Katsouranis experience
Defensive midfielder Katsouranis, meanwhile, has committed until 2013 after sealing a switch from Portuguese League Cup holders SL Benfica. The 30-year-old, a member of Greece's UEFA EURO 2004™-winning side, cost €3m, with €1m of that going to former side AEK Athens FC. Panathinaikos finished third in the Greek Super League last term, but won the subsequent second to fifth-place play-offs and will enter the UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round.
