Aritz Elustondo close to accepting PAOK offer, deal not yet signed | OneFootball

Aritz Elustondo has an offer from PAOK Salonika and is close to accepting, although nothing is signed. According to Diario Vasco, Real did not offer him a renewal and he remains under contract until Thursday, 30 June.

The Greek club have pursued him for months, even while he was still a Real player, and talks have accelerated recently. The 32-year-old has a long-term proposal with significant wages.

Former Osasuna coach Alessio Lisci is now in charge at PAOK. His side have begun pre-season with Europa League qualifiers in mind, and he wants a defensive addition.

Elustondo wanted to stay at home but, after saying goodbye to Donostia, chose to take time over offers. He is on holiday while his agents work, and he has 313 games for Real and more than 10 La Liga seasons.

If he accepts PAOK’s offer, he would face familiar foes after Real met the Greeks in the 24/25 Europa League. Elustondo played the full 90 minutes in January 2025 in a home win at Anoeta, when Orri Óskarsson scored twice.

PAOK tracked him through the season just finished and renewed their interest, while he had hoped to end his career at Real. Without that option, he would rather not face Real soon for emotional reasons. Thessaloniki appeals to his family and the move appears likely, though it still needs finalising.

Source: Diario Vasco