Long-standing Werder goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka is close to an engagement in Greece. The 32-year-old is to join Greek champions PAOK as a free agent.
Pavlenka kept the goal for Bremen for seven years and made a total of 175 Bundesliga and 23 second division appearances for Werder. In the summer, his expiring contract was not renewed. Since then, the Czech has been looking for a club.
This now seems to be successful. Pavlenka is linked to champions PAOK by several Greek media outlets. In addition, the 32-year-old is expected in the Greek port city at the weekend for final talks and the obligatory medical check.
Goalkeeper Tsiftsis injured
PAOK is looking for an adequate replacement after the seemingly complicated injury of substitute keeper Antonis Tsiftsis. The 25-year-old Tsiftsis is facing a lengthy absence, leaving the northern Greeks with only their 24-year-old Croatian key player Dominik Kotarski. Moreover, Kotarski seems to be particularly sought after in Serie A. Last summer, the northern Greeks rejected several offers for him, including one from CFC Genoa.
PAOK lead the Greek Super League table after five match days and will host city rivals Aris in the derby on Sunday. The Greek champions were left with nothing to show for after the Europa League opener in Istanbul, where they lost 3-1 to Galatasaray.