Dimitrios Kourbelis is not the only Panathinaikos player on Celtic’s radar with SportDay claiming that striker Fotis Ioannidis is also on the radar of the Scottish Premiership champions.
The multi-cultural make-up of Ange Postecoglou’s title-winning squad disproves the notion that you need tried and trusted, Scottish-speaking talent in order to dominate the domestic scene. Since 2021, Celtic have signed players from Japan, Israel, Croatia, South Korea and a variety of other far-flung locations.
Soon enough, you may be able to add Greece to that eclectic list.
According to SportDog, via News Beast, Celtic have been watching Ioannidis for a number of years. The 23-year-old, capped four times by his country, is enduring a difficult season at the Greek Super League leaders. During 23 games, Ioannidis has scored just three goals, providing a further three assists.
But, while such underwhelming numbers will undoubtedly raise eyebrows, Postecoglou’s track record when it comes to talent identification and youth development means the Aussie has surely earned himself the benefit of the doubt.
That Ioannidis is still one of the first names on the Panathinaikos team sheet, despite his lack of goals, is testament to his formidable work-rate. Not to mention how well he fits into the system.
Celtic watching Panathinaikos striker Fotis Ioannidis
“(Ioannidis) is the ultimate example that whoever works hard will always be rewarded, writes SportDog reporter Kostas Goulis.
“No matter how difficult the path, Fotis Ioannidis is a player who will give everything he has. He doesn’t leave anything on the field.”
A rangy, skilful centre-forward who likes to carry the ball at speed, Ioannidis looks a more all-round ‘number nine’ than compatriot Giorgios Giakoumakis; an old-school poacher who left Parkhead for the MLS recently.
Ioannidis came close to joining a North American side himself back in 2022. Panathinaikos accepted a £2 million bid before backing out of the deal.
Interestingly, Celtic are reportedly keeping tabs on Ioannidis’ team-mate and captain Dimitrios Kourbelis too. The 29-year-old midfielder, also on Rangers’ radar, will be a free-agent this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
