Exclusive: Major Update on Southampton and Leicester’s Striker Pursuit
Panathinaikos Aim to Retain Southampton and Leicester Target Fotis Ioannidis Until Europa League Fate is Decided, Sources Reveal
Football Insider revealed on Monday (12 August) that Leicester City and Southampton are now competing to sign 24-year-old striker Fotis Ioannidis, following Leicester’s £23 million bid.
Panathinaikos, currently in European qualifiers, could advance to the Europa League’s group stage via the play-off round.
However, they are trailing 1-0 on aggregate against Ajax, with the second leg scheduled in Amsterdam on Thursday (15 August).
In a new development, Panathinaikos might retain Ioannidis until their European fate is decided. Should they lose to Ajax, they will enter the UEFA Conference League play-offs, potentially delaying Ioannidis’ departure.
Despite this, sources indicate the financial offer for Ioannidis is substantial, and he is expected to leave Panathinaikos before the 30 August transfer deadline, regardless of their European outcome.
Ioannidis, who made his first appearance of the 2024-25 season as a substitute in the 1-0 home loss to Ajax, had a standout 2023-24 season, scoring 23 goals and providing nine assists in 44 matches across all competitions, and winning the Greek Cup.
Ipswich Town reportedly made a bid for the Greece international earlier this summer, while Lazio and Sporting CP are also interested in the striker. Ioannidis’ contract with Panathinaikos runs until June 2027.
