Aris FC has confirmed an agreement to sign Spanish midfielder Manu Garcia on a three year contract following his release by Kansas City.
The player is scheduled to arrive in Thessaloniki to sign the deal as soon as he resolves personal matters in the United States. His return to the Greek Super League club comes after a hiatus of one and a half years.
Termination of Kansas City contract
Kansas City announced the mutual termination of Garcia's contract in the early morning hours of August 18. The announcement followed swift negotiations between the midfielder and the American team, which were confirmed by the Kansas City head coach.
Prior to the official statement from Kansas City, Aris president Theodoros Karypidis posted on social media to signal the player's return. The transfer will be formalized in the coming days once Garcia lands in Greece.
Pursuit of top transfer target
Re-signing Garcia represents the fulfillment of the primary transfer objective for Aris. The club opened negotiations for the Spaniard's return last December, and Garcia had publicly expressed his desire to play in Thessaloniki again.
Garcia left Aris 1.5 years ago when he was sold to Kansas City alongside Russian winger Shapi Suleymanov in a combined transaction worth 6 million euros.
Previous spell at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium
During his first period with Aris, Garcia recorded nine goals and seven assists in 63 appearances across all competitions. Aris had originally acquired the playmaker from Spanish club Sporting Gijon.
His return strengthens the midfield options at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium as the team prepares for upcoming domestic fixtures.
Recent results and next steps
The agreement comes shortly after Aris secured a 2 to 0 victory against Anagennisi Karditsas in the Greek Cup on August 17.
Garcia is expected to finalize his affairs in Kansas before traveling to Greece to join the squad.
