Monterrey Midfielder's Greece Return Could Reignite AEK Controversy Amid Olympiacos Interest

According to an update by TransferFeed, Monterrey midfielder Orbelin Pineda's potential return to the Super League Greece through Olympiacos or Panathinaikos could trigger a revelation of his departure from AEK Athens. 

The Mexican international joined AEK on loan from Celta Vigo, rejoining his former Chivas de Guadalajara manager, Matías Almeyda. At the end of his loan spell, the Greek capital side formally bought him from the Spanish outfit for a €6.5 million fee. He spent three seasons with AEK before parting ways earlier in the summer for a transfer to Monterrey. 

Pineda departed from the Marios Iliopoulos-owned side after the club cited that the player was homesick and therefore made a transfer to Mexico. However, there were simultaneous reports claiming that the 30-year-old left AEK Athens because the club did not meet his wage demands. 

Pineda reportedly asked for a salary similar to Luka Jovic, and the club denied his request. Meanwhile, the club officials maintained their stance with the homesick narrative, and the player was found to be challenging that. 

The situation could change soon if Pineda makes a return to the Greek top flight, as it would entirely dislodge AEK's previous position. 

Olympiacos are aware of Pineda's interest in featuring in the Stoiximan Super League again, and head coach Imanol Alguacil was already told by club president Evangelos Marinakis during the summer transfer window that the Basque manager can go for more reinforcements as the funds are available. 

The Reds and Whites brought two midfielders into their side this summer, such as Remo Freuler and Gustavo Puerta. They lost Christos Mouzakitis to Hull City, and Pineda's profile could well add to the department without overloading it. 

It remains to be seen how Olympiacos proceed with this potential transfer as eternal rivals Panathinaikos also remain in the hunt for Pineda's signature. Neither club has contacted him or Monterrey to discuss a possible signing during the winter transfer window, but things could move forward soon if the midfielder pushes his entourage to demand a departure. 

As for Olympiacos' calendar for now, they play PAOK in a derby that could become an early marker for the Super League Greece top spot. The league leaders, Pananthinaikos, would hope for a draw between these two, but Olympiacos keep on winning after the goalless draw with Stade Rennais to mount the pressure at the top of the table. We will keep you updated on the match here.