Striker Levi Garcia has completed his transfer to Panathinaikos after leaving Russia, returning to Greek football to join the Athens club. The 29-year-old forward was officially announced by the team after finalizing his contract terms.
Garcia attended the match at the Olympic Stadium on August 5, 2026, where he watched Panathinaikos play out a 1-1 draw against CSKA 1948 in the third qualifying round of the Conference League. During his visit to the stadium, he held a one-on-one meeting with club owner Giannis Alafouzos.
Speaking to the official club television channel for the first time since returning to Greece, Garcia expressed his happiness about joining Panathinaikos. He said he felt the need to take a new step in his career and compete in a new environment.
Transfer Decisions and Management Plan
Garcia explained that Panathinaikos demonstrated intense interest in securing his signature. He noted that he was already well aware of the club history and the passionate atmosphere created by its supporters.
The striker stated that he reached the decision to sign alongside his manager and the club hierarchy. He emphasized that the collective goal is to achieve success together during his tenure in Athens.
Reflecting on his previous spell playing in Greece, Garcia recalled that winning a trophy in the country was a fantastic feeling. He expressed strong confidence in the current squad, stating that the players possess great quality.
Garcia stressed the importance of unity within the team throughout the upcoming campaign. He said the squad must focus on each match individually, adding that their final results at the end of the season will speak for themselves.
Reflecting on his time living in Russia, Garcia said he and his family enjoyed a very good experience and adapted well to local conditions. However, he noted that circumstances changed slightly, prompting his choice to return to Greece, where he had missed the local weather.
Role on the Pitch and Seasonal Goals
The forward stated that his primary priority is achieving both his personal objectives and the targets set by Panathinaikos. He expressed willingness to play wherever the team requires his presence, whether as a right winger or as a central striker.
Garcia stated that discussions with head coach Jacob Neestrup and technical director Stefanos Kotsolis fully convinced him to join the project. He noted that both figures presented a clear plan and vision for the club that he wanted to be part of.
The striker added that every stage of his career has provided valuable lessons, including his recent time in Russia. He said he knows the Greek league thoroughly and believes Greek football figures are equally familiar with his style of play.
When asked about his preferred nickname among supporters, Garcia remarked that the fans would decide what to call him. He added that on the pitch he intends to perform as a killer, before concluding his interview by greeting fans and expressing enthusiasm to begin playing.
Team Updates and European Ticket Demand
Following his arrival and media duties, Garcia completed his first training session with Panathinaikos on August 6, 2026. Meanwhile, the club reported massive ticket demand from supporters for the upcoming return leg against CSKA 1948 in Sofia.
Elsewhere in European competition, Benfica secured a 6-0 victory against Hearts in Europa League qualifying. Greek forward Vangelis Pavlidis scored during the match, bringing his team within reach of the play-off round.
PAOK suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against Anderlecht in their European fixture. Player Lisi stated after the match that the team must approach the return leg in Brussels with greater seriousness to secure qualification.
International Transfers and Contracts
In major international transfer news, Mohamed Salah officially completed a move to Turkish club Trabzonspor. The Egyptian forward signed a contract worth 17 million euros per year and was welcomed by 25,000 supporters at Papara Park.
Real Madrid announced the signing of Diomande for a fee of 125 million euros. Simultaneously, Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior extended his commitment to Real Madrid by signing a new contract keeping him at the club until 2032.
In Barcelona, football officials entered the race to sign midfielder Rodri, competing directly with Real Madrid for his signature. Meanwhile, Barcelona player Gavi fulfilled a personal promise by dyeing his hair pink following his World Cup victory.
Greek club AEK approached an agreement to sign basketball player Larentzakis, pending final resolution of contractual details with Olympiacos. Elsewhere in Greek sports, Aris announced the signing of Mokoka on a contract running through 2028.
Referee Papapetrou was selected to officiate the upcoming Super Cup final between AEK and OFI. In domestic player movements, defender Francisco Ortega bade farewell to Olympiacos, stating he would remain a fan from across the globe.
Other Global Sports Events
In South American football news, Diego Forlan was appointed as the new head coach of the Uruguay national team, succeeding Marcelo Bielsa. In Chilean football, a parachutist delivered a Colo-Colo shirt directly to international goalkeeper Vozinha on the pitch.
In American sports, a baseball bat slipped from a New York Yankees player during a game and flew into the spectator stands, causing a head injury to a fan. In basketball, 54-year-old former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal demonstrated his enduring athleticism in a video showing him dunking.
Governance disputes intensified between UEFA and FIFA as European football officials continued their boycott of key meetings. European leaders demanded formal guarantees alongside the resignation of FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
