“You crooks and traitors!”: Are ultras blocking BVB’s Konstantelias move? | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund apparently are on the verge of signing Giannis Konstantelias. But PAOK’s powerful ultras are determined to stop their fan favorite from moving to BVB.

Giannis Konstantelias’ move to Borussia Dortmund is apparently taking concrete shape. The 23-year-old arrived in Dortmund on Sunday and is set to undergo the obligatory medical. However, the deal has not yet been fully completed, according to information from Ruhr Nachrichten. At the same time, resistance is forming at PAOK Thessaloniki against the impending departure of the crowd favorite.

After the collapse of Said El Mala’s transfer, BVB intensified their efforts to sign Konstantelias. According to media reports, negotiations with PAOK are moving toward an agreement. A transfer fee of around €30 million, including possible bonus payments, is being discussed. In Dortmund, the Greek international is expected to receive a long-term contract.

But PAOK’s ultras apparently do not want to let their key player leave without a fight. The influential “Gate 4” group in particular vented its anger on social media. It is unequivocally urging the club to keep Konstantelias. The drastic message to those in charge: “Despite all the know-it-alls, bought journalists, and doom-mongers, PAOK fans have only one demand: that Giannis Konstantelias, the greatest footballer to wear our club’s shirt since Giorgos Koudas, continues to wear the shirt with the double-headed eagle on his chest. You crooks and traitors: hands off Konstantelias.”

BVB close to signing Giannis Konstantelias

The fact that the protests could actually influence the transfer is shown by the past. As recently as last summer, Konstantelias was on the verge of a move to the Bundesliga. At the time, VfB Stuttgart had reached an agreement with PAOK on a transfer. The attacking player is said to have already said goodbye to his teammates before PAOK owner Ivan Savvidis halted the move at short notice.

Photo: IMAGO

It had been preceded by massive protests from the fan scene. Konstantelias then even extended his contract in Thessaloniki until 2029. Now BVB are making a fresh attempt. Konstantelias came through PAOK’s youth academy and, aside from a short loan spell in Belgium, has spent his entire professional career at the Greek traditional club. In 190 competitive matches, he has recorded 44 goals and 26 assists.

Despite the renewed fan protests, this time many signs point to a departure. Konstantelias is already in Dortmund. But the transfer is not over the line yet — and PAOK’s ultras have already proved once that their influence should not be underestimated.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.