The 23-year-old defender joins through to 2030

Sporting Clube de Portugal have added to their squad with the signing of Georgios Vagiannidis, who comes in from Panathinaikos through to 2030 with an 80 million euro buyout clause.

The 23-year-old Greek international plays at right back, and came up through the Panathinaikos FC youth system to make his first-team debut in 2020, at just 18 years old. He scored a goal in his first start for the club.

Shortly thereafter, he was signed by Italian side FC Internazionale Milano, who loaned him to Belgian side Sint-Truidense V.V.

In 2021, he returned to Panathinaikos FC, and his career took off the following season. From 2023/2024 onwards, he became a key player in the side, winning two Greek Cups.

In his official presentation, Vagiannidis stated that he had been "very well received by the team. I couldn't ask for more. I'm very happy to be here. The most important thing for me is to improve, and Sporting CP is the best place for me to do that. It's a club where many young players have developed, and I knew it was the best choice for me from the moment I was approached. I was 100% focused on coming to Sporting CP and I was very happy when the deal was finalised, because I know it's the right move for me."

Regarding his characteristics, Vagiannidis explained that he is "a defender, first and foremost," but that his strengths include "playing on both flanks and helping the team offensively."

When looking for advice on the move, one of the people he spoke with was Sotiris Alexandropoulos, a former Panathinaikos FC teammate who was full of praise for Sporting CP.

"Sotiris and I grew up together; we spent over ten years together in the Panathinaikos FC academy. We talked a lot about Sporting CP -even before I knew of the club's interest-, so I already knew a lot about them. That's why the decision to come here was very easy. Sotiris told me about life here, the city, and what I have to do. He helped me a lot," he revealed.

The defender added that playing in the UEFA Champions League is "a childhood dream and one of the biggest motivations since the beginning of my career. I really want to play in this competition."

"I’m joining the champions of Portugal for the last two seasons, which gives me high expectations. The team are already at a very good level. They also won the Taça de Portugal last season. I have to give my all in every training session and every match to be able to compete," he said.

"As for the fans, what I would say to them is: I can't wait to see you at the stadium."