Olympiacos Captain In Top Form; Real Betis Saga Resurfaces

The September international break has concluded, and most players have returned to their clubs after serving their international duties. Among them is the Olympiacos captain, Panagiotis Retsos, who also plays as a centre-back for the Greece National Football Team. It is noteworthy that Greece remained unbeaten in all of its UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Now, media outlet Sport24.gr has revealed in a report that journalists Ilias Kallonas and Antonis Economides have spoken on the Box2Box show by Betsson about the Greek international’s status at the club, the saga involving interest from La Liga side Real Betis, and his performances with the club and the national team.

The article noted, “Specifically, as highlighted, Betis checked out Retsos last March, during the period when the Spanish team faced Panathinaikos in the round of 16 of the Europa League.” A deal did not materialise at the time; however, as reiterated by the journalists on the show, the very fact that a team which has a dominant presence in its national league, and will be also be competing in Europe’s premier continental competition during this season, sheds light on the impeccable quality of the Piraeus' skipper.

The fact that a deal could not be reached was partly due to the demands made by the Greek club for the transfer of Retsos. According to the report that is being referred to here, Olympiacos had asked for an amount over €15 million. Asking for such a large amount for the transfer of a player showcases what value the player holds for the team, and also the unwillingness of the club to let go of such an important member of its squad.

The journalists also said on the show that although negotiations about a contract renewal have not yet started between the player and the club, Retsos is perfectly happy with his situation at the club and is fully committed to his contract with Olympiacos, which runs until the summer of 2028. With two more years left on his contract, the centre-back will have enough time to think about his future, and he will definitely want to focus on the present for now.

Imanol Alguacil and the team’s entire focus will definitely be on the upcoming derby against Panathinaikos, which is scheduled to be played on Sunday. A strong outing by captain Panagiotis Retsos will be of utmost importance if Olympiacos want to register a victory in the biggest game of the Greek football calendar.